Deputy Head of the Budget Committee of the Duma and member of the Yabloko faction Mikhail Zadornov thinks that there is nothing unusual in the governmental programme to privatise state enterprises for 2002. At the same time he thinks that the total price (18 bln roubles) of the enterprises is greatly understated.

Commenting on the publication in Kommersant on August 16, 2001 on this issue, Zadornov noted that the draft privatisation programme constituted an integral part of the draft budget for 2002 and that, in accordance with the law, the government should submit both documents to the State Duma for consideration and approval.

Zadornov also said that the programme is “absolutely normal” and noted that as regards large-scale enterprises, it envisages the sale of 20% of Slavneft (Ed. a large oil company) shares and 25% minus two shares of Svyazinvest (Ed. a large communications company).

Speaking about a number of film companies in the draft programme, according to Zadornov they “do not cost anything already”.

At the same time Zadornov thinks that the total price - 18 bln roubles, - which the government hopes to obtain from the sale of the enterprises, is “extremely understated”.

Zadornov also thinks that serious debate is likely to take place in the Duma during discussions of the privatisation programme. “Someone in the chamber will probably oppose the privatisation of some enterprises, including the largest ones, and someone like the communists and their allies will oppose all kinds of privatisation, but I think that all of them will agree that the total price of the package is obviously understated and can be raised three times,” said Zadornov.

Based on Interfax reports.