Kazakhstan RAILROADS claim $500 th from Air Kazakhstan

/IRBIS, Dec.11, 00/ - Reuters informs that Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, national rail road operator, intends to secure the repayment of Air Kazakhstan debt to the company for a total of $500.0 th. Mr. Myrzakhmetov reported that all files concerning Air Kazakhstan had been already submitted to the General Prosecutor Office and the Court. However, the situation is unclear whether Kazkommertsbank that has taken 50% of shares of the air company would be liable for the debt. Appealing to the deputies of Kazakhstan parliament, he showed the act of inspection commission of the Finance Ministry stating that Temir Zholy has provided Air Kazakhstan temporary financial aid for an amount KZT69.640 mln (that is $500.0 th. as of the end of 1999). The aid was provided by the order of the former Minister of Transport and Communication. The agreement dated Nov 1, 1999 stated that Air Kazakhstan must have had the debt returned by Dec 31, 1999. The head of Kazakhstan Temir Zholy added that predecessor of Air Kazakhstan, Aue Zholy is also liable for KZT40.0 mln ($527 th.). This amount was provided to former national air carrier in 1997. This was also ordered by of former Minister of Transport and Communication. At present, Aue Zholy is passing bankruptcy procedure. Mr. Myrzakhmetov admitted that there had not been pressure from former ministers, yet "they asked for funds and we concluded the contracts".