21 May 2004 10:45
Russia`s Far East region of Chukotka run by Abramovich declared bankrupt
We've just received a news flash from RBK [Rosbiznesneskonsulting] news agency, which says that the Audit
Chamber of Russia, on the strength of its audit of Chukotka Autonomous Area [governed by Roman Abramovich], has declared
it bankrupt. As auditor Sergey Ryabukhin told a news conference in Moscow today [21 May], the conclusion was based on an
analysis [of the region's budget].
RIA-Novosti news agency also reports that the Audit Chamber of Russia, having checked the appropriation of budget
funds in the Chukotka Autonomous Area, has come to the conclusion that the region is actually bankrupt. The agency also
quotes auditor Ryabukhin and explains that the total state debt of the region as of 1 January of this year is 9.3bn
roubles. This is 2.5 times more than Chukotka's own income, which was R3.9bn for the year 2003.
[According to Russian Interfax-AFI news agency at 0826 on 21 May 2004, information on the results of the audit will
be sent to the Russian government, the Prosecutor-General's Office, the Ministry of Finance, the Federation Council
and the State Duma.
Answering a question from journalists on whether Roman Abramovich can now "sleep well", auditor Sergey
Ryabukhin said: "I believe the final conclusion will be made by the prosecutor's office, which ought to make
it after they have received our paperwork".]
[Radio Russia] |
RUSSIA IN FACTS
