Postal service could be privatised within 18 months, says interior minister

The new minister of the interior, Ivan Langer, says Ceska Posta (Czech Post) could be transformed into a private company by the start of 2008. Mr Langer said as the current government is only seeking a one-year mandate he would like to prepare the ground for a decision on the privatisation by the next cabinet. The current government - which faces a difficult vote of confidence at the start of October - plans to incorporate the Information Technology Ministry into the Interior Ministry.