Treasury willing to finish privatization of TPSA

Treasury Minister Piotr Czyżewski announced the government's intention to sell the remaining 14.7% stake in Telekomunikacja Polska (TPSA) for zł. 3 billion later this year. "We are getting ready for the sale," stated Czyżewski at a press conference held in Warsaw. "It is possible that we will finish the transaction in 2003," he added. According to specialists, it will be necessary to involve foreign capital. Another question remains as to whether the sale would be executed through the Warsaw Stock Exchange. "We are waiting for the decision of our advisors," said Magdalena Nienałtowska from the Treasury Ministry press office. Czyżewski has also denied rumors that the Treasury may use its TPSA stake to shore up Kompania Węglowa. Rumors of an impending secondary offering by the government, or another handout to Kompania Węglowa, have historically depressed TPSA's share price. (Parkiet, p. 1) J.K.