Minister Says Telecoms Operator, Antel to Remain State-owned

Uruguay's industry minister Jorge Lepra has rejected press speculation state telecoms company Antel, state oil company Ancap and state power company UTE are being considered for privatization, according to a statement posted on the country's presidential website.

The minister, however, did not rule out changes in ownership of the companies in future depending on the situation.

Antel is one of the few remaining state telecoms monopolies in Latin America besides ICE in Costa Rica and Hondutel in Honduras.

Posted to the site on 21st August 2007