On June 17, Minsk /BelTA correspondent/. Belarus does not need reforms in the form of selling off the country's best enterprises for a pittance. This was stated by President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko today at a press conference for central and regional Belarusian media, BelTA has learned. The Head of State noted that recently there have been frequent discussions about the need for reforms in Belarus. "When some people offered us a loan, they told us: the Belarusian economy needs to be reformed. You know what they meant," the President said. "We have a lot of state-owned enterprises today and too many state-owned stakes in joint-stock companies. They tell us: reform means privatization, selling an enterprise." Alexander Lukashenko stressed that he is not against privatization. "But if it were your property, or if you were in my place, you would think: yes, it can be sold, but for a higher price. No one will sell it for a song," the President stated. He noted that Belarus is ready to sell even one of its most valuable enterprises, Belaruskali, whose profitability, according to the President, ranges from 70% to 100%. "We are even ready to privatize this enterprise. The conditions are set: for it to develop, for it not to be closed, for employees to receive higher wages every year, to be socially protected, and most importantly, for this enterprise to be modernized," said Alexander Lukashenko. The Head of State recalled that the selling price of Belaruskali has already been named - $30 billion. "I named the amount - $30 billion. Come, we will discuss. If you have $12 billion, I will sell 40% (of Belaruskali shares. - BelTA note)," the President promised. Alexander Lukashenko assured that he knows those who are eyeing Belarusian enterprises today. Moreover, the interest is primarily in enterprises like Belaruskali, MAZ, BMZ, BelAZ, and oil refineries. At one time, they were modernized at the state's expense and are now among the best in Europe. "No one will eye a bad asset. Therefore, by reforms, they primarily mean taking away from the state, giving to private owners, and if selling, then for a dollar or a small price," the President believes. He emphasized: "We do not need such privatization." -0-

BelTA