"Mazeikiu nafta is getting petroleum not from Yukos alone but from minor Russian-based companies, who are eager to sell it for decent prices. The company is working at full capacity in the current quarter-year. We'll see later how it will cope," remarked the Premier.
When asked just when the Lithuanian government is to get to the negotiation table with Yukos bosses to settle Mazeikiu nafta management, Mr. Brazauskas said that no talks were underway now, at any rate.
"No negotiations are on now-the matter does not depend on us. The company is doing well. That's the main thing that matters to us. We are monitoring the developments, and we see the company has enough crude oil, and is working normally and at a good, even pace. It's making progress, in fact."
Lithuania's Mazeikiu nafta petroleum concern comprises a refinery of the same name-an only in the post-Soviet Baltic countries, with a 12 million ton annual rated capacity; a petroleum export/import terminal in Butinga, at an annual 8 million tons; and the Birzu naftotiekis, a mainline starting in Birzai, in the country's extreme north.
Yukos holds a 53.7 per cent block of Mazeikiu nafta shares through its branch, Yukos Finance B.V. registered in the Netherlands. The Lithuanian government holds a 40.66 per cent block.
The government intends to purchase another 10 per cent stock thus to acquire a control block. It also means to cancel an acting Mazeikiu nafta managerial contract, and increase the number of its representatives on the company board by two.
Respective negotiations were due in Vilnius last week. The event was indefinitely suspended after the Houston court made a verdict unfavorable for Yukos.
