Estonian president over privatization of power stations

TALLINN (BNS) – Economics Minister Mihkel Parnoja, who on March 29 discussed problems of the energy sector and privatization of the country's largest power stations with President Lennart Meri, said the president was concerned over the terms of the power stations' privatization.

Parnoja said the president's worries could be understood because in such a big transaction it was important that the terms and conditions of the deal took heed of the interests of the state.

Parnoja told BNS the president did not question the trustworthiness of the prospective buyer of Narva Elektrijaamad, the U.S. company NRG Energy.

The president was briefed on the problems related to the privatization of the Narva power stations company as well as the development opportunities, Parnoja said.

In Parnoja's words the president received answers which satisfied him and was provided with a more comprehensive picture of the power stations' privatization.

He said that apart from matters related to the privatization deal, issues of national security related to the supply of energy, the price of electric energy and achieving of independence from the Russian energy system were discussed at the meeting.

Meri on March 29 met with Prime Minister Mart Laar, Foreign Minister Toomas Hendrik Ilves, Defense Minister Juri Luik, Parnoja, academician Endel Lippmaa, Pakterminal CEO Raivo Vare and expert Jaan Uustalu to discuss issues related to the supply of energy and its impact of the country's security.