Moscow, 15 September 2006. We are disappointed that OAO Norilsk Nickel MMC and Finland's Fortum Oy failed to close the deal, which would result in an increase of Fortum's interest in OAO "TGC-1". It is especially unfortunate that this took place after Russia's antimonopoly regulator, the FAS, has given approval for the deal. However, we call on both parties to continue negotiations and find a mutually acceptable solution. Anyhow, it is our company's position that Fortum is one of the leading strategic investors in which the Russian electricity industry is interested so much.