Ukraine’s government has decided to sell 67 percent of Ukrtelecom, the latest move in 10 years of attempts to privatize a major stake in the dominant fixed-lined telecoms operator.

Russian telecoms operators welcomed the move, though with already large stakes in Ukraine’s quickly growing mobile phone sector, few seemed interested in buying the chiefly fixed-line company.

Transport and Communications Minister Yosip Vinsky, who said last month that there was no need for a sell-off yet, said the sale would take place at an open auction.

“[The government has] decided on a list of privatizations, including Ukrtelecom — 67 percent,” Vinsky said after a regular Cabinet meeting Wednesday.

The list of firms for sale also includes the Odessa Pre-port Plant, a major chemicals producer that was also put up for sale last year, and six small regional energy firms.

Posted: 01|18|08 at 4:37 pm. Filed under: Auction News.