OREANDA-NEWS. On July 08, 2008 Southern Telecommunications Company (“UTK”) (RTS: KUBN, KUBNP; MICEX: UTEL, UTELP; ADR OTC: STJSY, KUE FRA), the principal fixed-line telecommunications provider for Russia’s Southern Federal District, reported that the Moscow Arbitration Court postponed the hearing of the case regarding the counter-claim served by Southern Telecommunications Company against Inter-Regional Tax Inspectorate № 7 in charge of large taxpayers, reported the press-centre of UTK.

On 18 April, 2008 the litigation of Southern Telecommunications Company with Inter-Regional Tax Inspectorate № 7 in charge of large taxpayers, disputing the decision of the tax authority to issue tax claims and penalties to the Company for 2002-2003, was revived.

On 27 May, 2008 the Arbitration Court of Moscow held a hearing of the case. There the Company presented explanatory materials in connection with the court decisions taken on two similar disputes being under consideration by the Arbitration Court of Moscow. Based on the request of Inter-Regional Tax Inspectorate № 7 in charge of large taxpayers, the court hearings were postponed till July 3, 2008.

On 3 July, 2008 the Arbitration Court of Moscow held a stated hearing of the case, at which Inter-Regional Tax Inspectorate № 7 in charge of large taxpayers submitted a petition for adjournment of proceedings. According to decision of the Arbitrary Court of Moscow dated 3 July 2008, the next court hearing will be held on 27 August 2008.