Kudrin said Storchak possesses information needed to conduct talks. "However, ministry officials are continuing them," he said.
The minister also said he would seek a private meeting with Storchak, arrested on suspicion of attempting to embezzle $43 million, and that he had submitted a petition on Wednesday asking for Storchak's release from custody.
Storchak was detained in Moscow along with two businessmen on November 15. Russia's Investigation Committee earlier said Storchak had been arrested due to prosecutors' concerns that he could destroy evidence or intimidate witnesses.
The committee also said earlier the arrest was related to the settlement of Soviet-era debts to the Sodexim company, adding that Storchak had been arrested along with Sodexim general director Viktor Zakharov and the president of the Moscow-based Interregional Investment Bank, Vadim Volkov. They face five to ten years in prison.
Kudrin said defense lawyers for Storchak had also filed a petition to release the finance official from custody.
A key figure in Russia's Paris Club debt talks, Storchak assumed his current post in November 2005. He has pleaded not guilty.
