Ljubljana, 05 February (STA) - The struggling Slovenian state-owned rail
operator deems German rail operator Deutsche Bahn as the most serious
partner for a potential tie-up, Slovenske zeleznice boss Goran Brankovic
told Friday's edition of weekly Mladina.
Slovenske zeleznice will talk to other operators, $but all
circumstances considered, we see Deutsche Bahn as the best
solution$.
$However, the main criterion for cooperation
will be the proceeds that Slovenske zeleznice are hoping for,$ he
said.
The German rail operator sees Slovenske zeleznice as a window
to the Balkans and the Middle East for cargo transport, according to
Brankovic.
$I can clearly say that they are not interested in
infrastructure investment. They are interested in cooperation in cargo
transport,$ said Brankovic, who rhas ecently held talks with the
management of Deutsche Bahn and has another meeting scheduled later this
month.
Talks with Deutsche Bahn were held already under the previous
government, but at that time the plan was to include port operator Luka
Koper and logistics group Intereuropa in the deal.
This time,
however, the railway operator is negotiating independently. $We are
not mixing anyone else in. Ownership changes are a matter for the owners to
decide,$ Brankovic said.
Brankovic said he told Deutsche Bahn
that everything was still open $but we are discussing only cooperation
in cargo transport.$