On January 23, 2008, Sverdlovsk Region Duma deputies are going to consider the public prosecution authorities’ potential ban on buying Sverdlovsk Gubernskiy Bank’s shares using the regional budget finances. The existing law states that the authorities’ notice of appeal must be considered at the regional Duma meeting as soon as possible, with the results of the meeting reported to the region’s prosecutor in writing. The Duma’s next meeting has been scheduled for January 22-23, 2008.

Sverdlovsk Region’s public prosecution authorities believe the Duma’s decision to finance the acquisition of Sverdlovsk Gubernskiy Bank’s shares through the regional budget is illegitimate.