- Sweden: The Swedish government is considering reducing its share in the telecommunications operator TELIA to underr 50% to make it less vulnerable in the context of the general liberalisation of the European telecommunications sector. This operation would enable the group, which has become more independent, to conclude strategic alliances with other similar-sized telecommunications firms and keep it from being bought up by other more powerful operators, announced Sweden's Prime Minister Göran Persson. The state already reduced its share last July to 70% via a public offering. - Japan: The Japanese Government intends to reduce its share in the national tobacco giant JAPAN TOBACCO from two thirds to 50%, in order to make the firm more independent, announced the Japanese daily Yomiuri Shimbun, and to enable it to form alliances more easily.