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Lukashenko: No plans to sell Belarus’ key assets

NOVOPOLOTSK, 7 June (BelTA) – Belarus is not going to sell its strategic companies, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko said during a meeting with Naftan staff on 7 June, BelTA has learned.

“If you have apprehensions that they [oil refineries] will be sold for a song to someone, push this thought out of your mind. I still believe that strategic companies and other assets should not go on sale. I am not entitled to that. It was not me and even you who built these companies,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The head of state noted that soon after he became president, there was an attempt to sell a controlling interest in Mozyr Oil Refinery for $15 million; however he ordered to give the money back to the buyers within a day. “We did not sell these factories and are not going to do it in the future. If someone offers us some compelling terms, we will consider them together with you,” the president said. 

He noted that privatization of a company in Belarus should first be approved by a company’s staff. After that local authorities submit their proposals to higher bodies. After that the government informs the head of state. “This process is highly bureaucratized in our country. I did it on purpose, because I would not want to come to Novopolotsk and face a question from you: “Who did you sell Novopolotsk Oil Refinery?”, the president said.

The president commented on a common belief that it is impossible to buy big companies in Belarus. “Indeed, it is nearly impossible to privatize what should not be privatized in Belarus. Your company is not slated for privatization,” he said.

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