Yushchenko Wants To Reshape Ukrainian Coal Industry

23 August 2005 (RFE/RL) -- Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko says he wants to reshape the country's coal industry and offer the impoverished state-run coal mines to private owners.

In a statement posted on his official website, Yushchenko said he ordered Coal Industry Minister Viktor Topolov to "radically change management policy" within a year in a bid to improve the industry's effectiveness.

The president said that private business will "introduce order" in the sector.

The Ukrainian coal industry is plagued by lack of funds and its coal mines are among the world's most dangerous.

(AP)

See also:

"Problems In Ukraine's Coal Industry Run Deep"