In accordance with the Conclusion of the Privatisation Committee adopted on 1 November 2004, members of the Committee discussed the Report of the Privatisation Agency on monitoring the fulfilment of the implementation of the Sale and Purchase Contract for the socially-owned capital of Kraljevo-based Poljoproment Joint-stock Company. Having heard the arguments of both the majority shareholder and union representatives, members of the Committee advised the Privatisation Agency to take all measures necessary to ensure the termination of the Sale and Purchase Contract, to pass a temporary decree prohibiting the company’s operations, and to file a request for compensation.

The Privatisation Committee also discussed the Report of the Privatisation Agency on the inspection carried out on 3 November 2004 at the Doljevac-based Agroeksport-Toplica Joint-stock Company. After hearing the arguments of both Agroeksport’s majority shareholder and workers’ representatives, the Committee suggested another meeting of the buyer, workers’ representatives and officials of the Privatisation Agency. The meeting is to be attended by members of the Privatisation Committee.

The session’s agenda also included the Report of the Privatisation Agency on monitoring the implementation of the Sale and Purchase Contract for the socially-owned capital of Kosjeric-based Moda Joint-stock Company. The Committee informed the Ministry of Justice of its opinion that Moda’s continued existence was in danger due to the situation at the company, as well as the large number of court rulings calling for the seizure of its assets. The Committee expressed well-founded doubts as to the legitimacy of such rulings, and advised the Ministry of Justice to consider placing the Kosjeric Municipal Court under scrutiny, especially regarding the enforcement of its rulings. Besides advising the Ministry, the Privatisation Committee also adopted a Conclusion advising the Privatisation Agency to drop charges against the buyer if they immediately settle the outstanding second instalment foreseen by the Sale and Purchase Contract.

Committee members met representatives of the Nezavisnost United Trade Union Organisation, and resolved to invite representatives of other trade unions to attend the Committee’s next session, which is to centre on the process of privatisation in transition.

At the suggestion of deputy Zoran Antic, the Committee will discuss the privatisation process of Kragujevac-based PKB-Transport at its next session. The Committee also accepted the proposal, submitted by deputy Professor Dr Miodrag Stamenkovic, for the Privatisation Agency to prepare a report on the situation at Kursumlija-based 7. juli. Professor Stamenkovic expressed concern over the rapid selling-off of business premises owned by the company and the fact that procedure for the termination of the Sale and Purchase Contract had been initiated.