Greece,draft decree lifts obstacles to privatization

Greek government on Friday submitted to Parliament a draft decree facilitating privatizations. The document, as daily Kathimerini reports, includes provisions abolishing the government's "golden share" minimum of a 20% holding in Hellenic Petroleum, Public Power Corporation, betting firm OPAP, Horse Racing Organization (ODIE), the Athens and Thessaloniki water utilities (EYDAP and EYATH), the Piraeus Port Authority and several provincial ports. Other provisions facilitate investment in seaside areas, transfer 2004 Olympic properties to the Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (TAIPED), and institute sale and leaseback procedures for public assets.