MOSCOW, October 25 (RIA Novosti) - Russian President Vladimir Putin opposed private ownership of forests for now during a televised question-and-answer session Wednesday.
"Fears related to private ownership of forests are not totally unfounded, and given our conditions, it's too early to transfer national property like forests into private hands," Putin said. "I will not sign such a law."
However, the Russian leader said liberal economists believe transferring forests into private ownership could be an effective way to develop the industry, adding they could be leased on a long-term basis.
"Modern ways to ensure the interests of entrepreneurs can be worked out," Putin said. "There are such tools, and we will follow that path."
Putin said the government should submit a proposal on increasing export duties on round timber by 2009.
