Energy crisis impedes privatization in other sectors

TIRANA, Jan.29 – The economy ministry of Albania has temporarily frozen the negotiation with the Turkish Company Calik regarding the privatization of Albtelecom, the current fixed-line monopoly from which the state is putting 76 percent of its ownership on sale. The privatization of Albtelecom has been subject of political controversies as the DP led government criticizes firstly and then re-approved the contract with the Turkish company after the defeat of the SP. Calik representatives understand that the power crisis should be prioritized and that the negotiations can be postponed, sources form the ministry confirmed. Final talks are expected to be complete at the end of next month. The most debatable issues have been related to the capacity of Calik to become a strategic investor for the telecommunications sector of Albania. Upon the privatization of Albtelecom, a third mobile operator called Eagle Mobile will be launched.