TELECOMMUNICATIONS/BELGIUM: SALE OF STATE SHARE IN BELGACOM NOT ON THE AGENDA.

• Position: Brief Article

The Flemish financial daily De Financieel Economische Tijd reported on September 11 that Belgium's Minister of Public Enterprises Johan Vande Lanotte is opposed to the sale of the Belgian State's stake (50% plus one share) in the telecommunications group Belgacom. "During a meeting a few weeks ago with individuals close to the dossier, the Minister indicated that he remains attached to the State's stake in Belgacom", according to Tijd. The Ministers' office has neither denied nor confirmed the reports. According to anonymous sources quoted by Tijd, the Socialist Minister who is also deputy Prime Minister and Federal Budget Minister, is keen to see Belgacom continue to pay dividends to the State. He also believes further privatisation of the erstwhile State operator would be a "declaration...