* Interview with Mrs. Cristina Chiriac, vice-president of the AVAS
Reporter: How many probes did the AVAS conduct in the post privatization period at Rodipet and what were the irregularities which were found? How would you comment on the statements of the DIICOT concerning the "absence of the post-privatization control"?
Cristina Chiriac: At the time of its privatization, Rodipet was one of the most important companies in the newspaper distribution sector, having a vast network and specialized personnel. The AVAS (APAPS) privatized the company in hope that the investors would find the best solution to help it grow. The current situation of SC RODIPET SA, namely its insolvency, as well as the findings of at the company, and I am referring here to the company's financial and economic status and to the way it was managed during the post-privatization monitoring period, make me feel like things did not exactly go normally.
When we were able to intervene, we did it with a strong hand. The steps taken by the AVAS in this type of situation take time, whether we are talking about sanctions or penalties implemented based on the Privatization Contract, or sanctions taken in court, which produce no tangible effects until their solving, more specifically until the courts issue a ruling.
In referring to the control operation, I want you and the public to understand that the AVAS is a business partner, which has rights as well as obligations. That is why, the AVAS was never able to get involved or to intervene in any other manner than within the limits of the law, in any of the privatized companies, as any such measure could be construed as a violation of the right of ownership and an interference of the state in the private sector. From that point of view, our means of action are limited, and I want to emphasize this, only to some legal procedural a
