(RFE/RL)
November 20, 2006 -- Russian long-distance telecommunications operator Rostelekom is suing Turkmenistan over unpaid bills.
Rostelekom said today that the case is in the hands of the Moscow Arbitration Court.
The company claims the department that regulates relations with foreign telecom operators at the Turkmen Telecommunications Ministry owes it some $4.7 million.
Rostelekom says in a statement the court hearings will begin on December 21.
Russia's "Kommersant" newspaper says this is the first time Rostelekom is suing one of its foreign partners. The daily quotes lawyers as saying Rostelekom's chances of winning its lawsuit are "high."
Russia's government-controlled Svyazinvest telecommunications holding has a majority stake in Rostelekom.
(Interfax, "Kommersant")
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