Treasury Min. hints at problems with sale of TPSA stake

Treasury Minister Emil Wasacz said yesterday that negotiations with France Telecom (FT) concerning the sale of shares of Telekomunikacja Polska S.A. (TPSA) are very complicated and difficult. In his opinion the delay could be caused by the intransigent position of FT which increased after its takeover of British mobile phone operator Orange. He said he hoped the transaction will be completed within a week. Analysts say the delay could be caused by Wasacz who wants to strengthen his position before the vote of non-confidence against him in Sejm. It is also possible that FT asked for tougher conditions regarding the share price or the delay is connected with discussions about UMTS license fees. Any concessions in this area is unacceptable to the Ministry as other operators would also make demands. (Prawo i Gospodarka, page 11) A.D.