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Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 13-03-07
CONTENTS
[01] Hatzidakis: Regional airports to be privatized
[01] Hatzidakis: Regional airports to be privatized
"Times New
Roman";color:#0F1419;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:
AMNA -- International tenders for the privatisation of the country's
local airports will be launched before the end of March, Development,
Competitiveness, Infrastructure, Transport and Networks Minister Kostis
Hatzidakis announced on Thursday. He said tenders will be for long-term
concessions to exploit the commercial operation and management of the
airports, which will remain the property of the state. He specified,
however, that the new airport of Kasteli on Crete will be exempted
from the above procedure since it was "targeted at a different class
of investors".
"Times New
Roman";color:#0F1419;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: The
minister stressed that the aim of the privatisations and concessions was
not only to raise cash but was primarily a way to boost economic growth.
font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New
Roman"; During joint statements to the press with the head of the Hellenic
Republic Assets Development Fund (HRADF) Yiannis Emiris, the minister
also announced a reorganisation of Greece's civil aviation authority
(YPA). He said that this would become a new regulatory authority with
supervisory powers, charged with monitoring the execution of concession
contracts and pricing policies, as well as ensuring flight safety and
quality control. To this end, he announced plans to streamline the running
of YPA through the abolition or merger of at least 10 departments and 14
sections, while stressing that no YPA staff will be fired or transferred
to other services.amna
font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New
Roman"; The minister clarified that, under the terms of the concessions,
the Greek state will retain ownership, supervisory powers and control
of the airports and will also preserve existing airports on all islands,
regardless of size. The concessions will be offered for a minimum period
of 30-35 years, in order for charges to remain on a competitive level,
while an option for extension will be given.amna
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