The Czech deputy industry and trade minister Martin Pecina said that there have not been any new developments in relation to the privatization of Severoceske doly (SD) to CEZ (the largest domestic coal mines) or CEZ potentially gaining a stake in Mostecka uhelna. The ministry will ask for a postponement until the end of 1H05 (originally the end of March). Note that government officials spoke in favour of CEZ increasing its current 37% in SD, possibly via a joint venture with Mostecka uhelna.