Sweden, Norway sell stakes in Scandinavian Airlines October 13, 2016 - 13:16 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The governments of Norway and Sweden say they have sold some of their shares in Scandinavian Airlines, saying the move will strengthen the regional carrier by reducing state ownership, the Associated Press reports. Norwegian Minister of Trade and Industry Monica Maeland says "there are no good reasons why the state should own an airline." Maeland said Thursday, October 13's transaction was in line with the government's ambition "to strengthen private ownership." The governments sold a total of 23 million shares, reducing Sweden and Norway's shareholding in SAS to 17.2 percent from 21 percent and to 11.5 percent from 14 percent, respectively. Denmark, which owns 14 percent in the Stockholm-based airline, didn't take part in the sale. Her Swedish colleague, Mikael Damberg, said it was the first step to reduce the Swedish state's ownership. Related links:   Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty  Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty.Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza.Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations.Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |
