MOSCOW -- Open Joint Stock Company "Vimpel-Communications" ("VimpelCom" or the "Company") announced today that it has filed an appeal of the action taken by the Russian prosecutor's office yesterday to initiate a criminal investigation of whether VimpelCom operated its business without a license. Unfortunately, yesterday's unwarranted decision by the prosecutor's office is the latest example of an escalation of an attack on the Company. VimpelCom has repeatedly acted in good faith, and stated our commitment to resolving this matter in a mutually acceptable way. However, as a New York Stock Exchange listed company, VimpelCom has an obligation and responsibility to its 11 million subscribers and thousands of shareholders to vigorously defend itself against these charges and any other claims that may arise if the attack continues.
JSC Vimpel-Communications (VimpelCom)