Sweden, Norway sell stakes in Scandinavian AirlinesOctober 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 Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 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". Partner news | Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life, Strong Mind IDBank and Idram summarize the results of the May program of “The Power of One Dram”. Yerevan State University, Ucom sign Memorandum of Cooperation Rector of Yerevan State University Hovhannes Hovhannisyan and General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian signed the memorandum. EU to provide budgetary support to Armenia The agreement is aimed at increasing the competitiveness of the educational system of Armenia. Aliyev: No peace treaty unless Armenia changes constitution Azerbaijan will not sign a peace treaty with Armenia unless the latter changes its constitution, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said. |