Turkish Transport Minister Enis Oksuz said Thursday that a full consensus had been reached over the privatization of Turk Telekom, but added that progress was taking time because of a cautious approach to the process, according to the Turkish Daily News on Friday.
Oksuz, however, signaling the possibility of further delay in the completion of the legislation that will authorize the sale, saying differences were now over mobile licensing rights, which Economy Minister Kemal Dervis wants transferred to the Telecommunications Board.
Defying criticism that he has blocked the privatization of the key state asset, Oksuz cautioned against making a mistake in what he called an issue of vital importance.
"If we make a mistake on such a vital, strategic defense and security related issue, the cost will be too high to pay," he told reporters in Ankara.
Oksuz said he had reached a full consensus with Dervis over the draft of the telecom sell-off law, which was sent to the Turkish Prime Ministry office three days ago.
"The difference is about transferring some of the authority of my ministry to the Telecommunications Board. We must be very careful about it.
"Licensing rights should not necessarily be included in the privatization law. Privatization need not be delayed," Oksuz said, adding that he could agree with Dervis on issuing two laws separately regulating privatization and licensing rights.
Turkey seeks to privatize public companies as part of an economic reform plan aiming at reviving the deteriorating economy – Albawaba.com
