MOSCOW, November 11 (RIA Novosti) - The Economic Development and Trade Ministry sent the Justice Ministry additional information on Russian gas monopoly Gazprom's share market liberalization, the ministry said Friday.
The ministry said if a decision were received before December, work would proceed as planned.
Earlier, Industry and Energy Minister Viktor Khristenko told foreign investors that non-residents of Russia would be able to buy shares freely in the world's largest natural gas company.
Under restrictions introduced in the 1990s to prevent a foreign takeover of Gazprom, non-residents are allowed to buy up to 20% of the company's shares. The removal of restrictions on ownership of Gazprom stock will open up full foreign access to shares. The so-called "ring-fence" on Gazprom shares will be removed on the condition that the state increases its stake in the mega-company to 50% plus one share.
