Government should call off list of companies for privatization in 2008 - Yushchenko

President Victor Yushchenko met with Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko and the Verkhovna Rada Speaker Arseniy Yatsenyuk. Secretariat Chief of Staff Viktor Baloha was also present at the meeting, according to the President`s press-office.

President expressed his opinion that the list of national enterprises and companies to be prepared for privatization in 2008, which Cabinet of Ministers had approved on January 16, 2008 should be called off at the next Cabinet meeting. V. Yushchenko reminded that he had requested the Cabinet to refrain from approving such list until the law “On State privatization program” is amended which would make privatization procedures transparent and fair and saved the government from mistakes such as with Lugansk locomotive building factory and Kremenchuk oil refinery.

From his part Arseniy Yatsenyuk said that State privatization program shall be adopted by the Verkhovna Rada as soon as possible.

Speaking about inflation control President urged the Government to work out and approve anti-inflation action plan.

According to president tax collection issues also require Government’s urgent attention. Along with 2008 budget tax legislation should also be amended especially in those areas where legislative gaps allow distrustful tax payers to avoid taxes. Besides, issues with VAT repayment require solution as well.

Besides President, Speaker and Prime Minister discussed functioning and financial conditions of NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine. V. Yushchenko expressed assurance that this issue should be discussed during one of the next National Security and Defense Council meetings.