The contract for the privatization of Galati-based steel mill Sidex cannot be declassified without the approval of the other party, ArcelorMittal, according to the State Assets Recovery Authority (AVAS). Responding to a union request for contractual information, AVAS reiterated that the contract had been signed 25. July 2001, when 92.12% in the mill was sold to Mittal Steel for 70,715,016.80 USD plus interest (6,373,522 USD) and delay penalties (1,819,144.59 USD). All such sums have been fully paid by the buyer.
The ArcelorMittal Galati trade union on Monday picketed the Government Building and AVAS" head office demanding that the Government declassify the contract, investigate the transaction and order a comprehensive post-privatization audit. The union also demanded that ArcelorMittal carry out contractual obligations or face them in court.