LONDON, October 31, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --
In an interview to Russian News Agency Interfax, Arkady Rotenberg has declared the following:
- Arkady Romanovich, you have been under sanctions for over six months. How have they affected your life and your business?
In business we have always been focused on the domestic market, I am primarily talking about Stroygazmontazh. There have been a few minor issues. For instance, a contract with one of our U.S. suppliers, Caterpillar, had to be called-off as a result of the sanctions. So we found another supplier. The sanctions do not have any dramatic impact on my life. Although it is hard emotionally, as I am not a politician, and my rights have been violated due to some delirium.
- What forced you to file a lawsuit in pressing for annulment of EU sanctions?
We would like to know how the EU Council reached those conclusions, and why the Council thinks the sanctions apply to me. Having analyzed the situation, we see that the Council mainly refers to various pieces of information found online. Plus, I am allegedly associated with some company that I have no relation to.
- Do you expect a moral victory?
Sure, I expect moral victory. But if it also brings financial reward, I will not say no. You know, it is one thing to say: we are sorry we caused you damage during 2 or 3 years, and another thing is to pay for it. If the Court decides I should be compensated, then I will accept the money and spend it on some good project in Russia.
- What is the current situation with the Italian assets, allegedly frozen as a result of the EU sanctions?
Some say I own an apartment in Italy, which is not true. I do own a hotel in Rome, however, and it is a very successful enterprise. As of today, no court in Italy has allowed for any of my assets to be confiscated or repossessed. There is a so-called administrative arrest. This means that I am not able to pay any bills for two of my buildings in Italy, because I am not able to make any bank transfers to Italy. I say: please, take my money, I am ready to pay. Italian officials tell us: no, we cannot do that because of the sanctions. What can I do? I think they are confused themselves.
The full interview may be found here: http://www.interfax.ru/404557
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