Gazprom-Media sees no conflict in its relations with NTV

The Gazprom-Media "does not, for the moment, view its relations with NTV television as a conflict and does not demand repayment of the debt", Alexander Kazakov, chairman of the Gazprom-Media board of directors and member of Gazprom's board.

In his view, the dispute between the new management of the Russian non-state television company and its journalists can "at this stage" be resolved only through court. At the same time, the company's management "is not ceasing attempts to launch a conciliation procedure," Kazakov said. He expressed a wish in this connection to attend a shareholders meeting and "listen to the demands of the work collective". Kazakov is one of members of the new NTV board of directors. He reiterated that Gazprom-Media does not intend to interfere with the channel's editorial policy. As for reshuffles in NTV's management, according to Kazakov's observations, "the existing standards of management did not suit the staff itself."