November 1, 2002 - 22:34 AMT
"ROSTELECOM" COMPANY INTERESTED IN ARMENIAN TELECOMMUNICATION MONOPOLIST "ARMENTEL" COMPANY SHARES
"Rostelecom" company displays interest towards buying shares of "ArmenTel" telecommunication monopolist company of Armenia. As reported by "Commersant" Russian newspaper, chief of public relations service of "Rostelecom" company Dmitry Chykseyev stated it. At the same time he noted, "The decision has not been discussed by the council of directors yet, thus it is early to speak about participation of "Rostelecom" in auction of "ArmenTel" shares." Let us note that 90% of "ArmenTel" shares, owned by Greek OTE company, are arrested by the Armenian ministry of justice service for compulsory execution of court orders to levy some $1.4 million, which is OTE debt to the Armenian government. At present expert assessment of their cost is being carried out. Upon completion of the appraisal an auction will be held for selling part of the stocks to pay off the OTE debt to the Armenian government.