The Foreign Ministry said it has informed Uzbekistan of its concern over the detention of the acting chief executive of MTS's Uzbek subsidiary in a tax dispute that caused its license suspension.
The Uzbek government launched a $1.3 million tax claim against MTS in June, and on July 17 suspended its license for 10 days citing "systematic violations." It also detained several senior managers, including Radik Dautov, acting head of MTS subsidiary Uzdunrobita.
The Foreign Ministry said in a statement on its website Wednesday that it was concerned Dautov's detention was a "severe measure." It added that resolving the issue would prevent a negative impact on the investment ties between the two countries.
(Reuters)
