- Turkey: The Turkish Minister for the Economy Kemal Dervis announced a reorganisation of the failing banking system and an acceleration of privatisation in order to fight against the economic crisis in the country. The most urgent measure foresee an acceleration of the privatisation process for THY - TURKISH AIRLINES (see EI of 5&6 February) and the sale of 51% of the stake in TURK TELEKOM (see EI of 16 December) against 33.5% previously announced. This stake of 51% is valued at USD 10 billion. - Czech Republic: The Czech government intends to accelerate the privatisation process of the telecommunications operator CESKE RADIOKOMUNIKACE (turnover of 2.56 billion Czech Kroners in 2000), despite the fact that the sale risks bringing in less that foreseen given the level of restriction in the market. The 51% stake that the States is selling is presently valued at 15.5 billion Czech Kroners against 33 billion previously. The government should chose a buyer at the end of the month. Until now, only TELE DANMARK has put forward a formal offer, the other candidate being NTL and CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL, two American radio and television broadcasters as well as the private investment fund CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE TELECOMS VENTURE. See EI of 14 December 2000.