No deals can be struck over release of Khodorkovsky

A deal to obtain the release of Mikhail Khodorkovsky in exchange for a YUKOS stake currently belonging to the main shareholders is impossible. As Rosbalt reports, this was announced today by Deputy Speaker of the State Duma Oleg Morozov. 'This proposal is not serious,' he said. 'It is just the emotional reaction of Nevzlin and Dubov to the situation they now find themselves in.' In Mr Morozov's opinion 'the YUKOS shareholders are simply trying to ascertain whether or not we can be bribed over the Khodorkovsky affair.'