Polish privatization may be delayed

The expected privatization of major Polish companies like PKO BP bank, the Southern Energy Concern and Polish Oil and Gas might be delayed. The Warsaw Business Journal reported Friday that Polish State Treasury internal documents cast doubt on the accepted timeline for the ambitious privatization program. While the ruling Polish ministry has indicated delays are unnecessary and unlikely, some consider them a very real threat. "As we want to avoid any delays, we will foster work on privatizing these companies," said Treasury Spokesman Janusz Kwiatkowski. Kwiatkowski said the Polish ministry plans to conduct further research before making final its schedule to sell the largest Polish state-owned companies.