Peskov says state companies should not bid in privatization, but cites Rosneft 'nuances'
MOSCOW. Aug 3 (Interfax) - Although the Kremlin emphasizes the unacceptability of state company participation in privatization, it says that concerning Rosneft there are "definite nuances" and that the situation is not "one-dimensional."
"We have repeatedly spoken of the dominant understanding that of course, these companies should not participate in the privatization process," presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Wednesday.
Asked whether companies whose owners are registered offshore, Peskov said: "I cannot answer that question in a qualified way."
Asked to comment on the situation surrounding Rosneft, which maintains its intention to bid in the Bashneft privatization sale, Peskov said: "Rosneft is after all a stock company and here there is a certain complexity in the assessment. This is a stock company that exists and operates under corporate law. This is a company that is traded on the stock markets, in which there are many different shareholders. It is another matter that it is controlled by the state."
"Therefore, I am saying there is in general an understanding [on the non-participation by state companies]. But at the same time the situation must not be perceived as an absolutely one-dimensional and simple one; there are definite nuances," Peskov said.
Answering a question about whether or not the Kremlin agreed with the evaluation of Bashneft's assets for privatization at $3 billion, which was spoken about by Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov, Peskov said: "The Kremlin does not evaluate assets. The Kremlin does not carry out the functions of a consulting company. Therefore in this case we cannot provide any evaluation of this sum that was announced."
