Russia’s Medvedev decides to delay Bashneft privatization

MOSCOW, Aug 17 (PRIME) -- Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has decided to postpone privatization of oil company Bashneft, and the decision was supported by President Vladimir Putin, Medvedev’s press secretary Natalya Timakova told PRIME late Tuesday.

“Yes, the prime minister made a decision and the president approved it – to delay privatization of Bashneft,” Timakova said.

The Federal State Property Management Agency has not yet received such instructions, its spokesperson said.

Putin earlier authorized the sale of the entire government stake in Bashneft to a private investor. The Federal State Property Management Agency owns 50.08% in the company, while the government of the republic of Bashkortostan has a 25% stake.

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