RIA Novosti reported quoting source in the Uzbek government, who familiar with the situation, that the sides are holding high level talks and MTS can receive part of its assets, including radio frequencies, by the end of the year.

Russian newspaper Vedomosti reported that the suit of the MTS to Uzbekistan at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) of the World Bank was suspended in accordance with the parties’ agreement.

The source of the paper said that the sides are holding negotiations, in the result of which MTS can resume its operations in Uzbekistan.

In July 2012, the wholly-owned subsidiary of MTS, Uzdunrobita, had its license withdrawn initially for 10 days and then permanently due to repeated and systematic major violations, with the way their cellular network was designed and noncompliance with the instructions of the controlling body. Later the license was withdrawn and local economic court supported the withdrawal.

Several employees of Uzdunrobita were fined and sentenced for correctional works for schemes, created for receiving illegal income. Assets of the company were handed over to the government, but the court abolished decision and said the operator should pay US$600 million of fines and penalties.

Tashkent Economic Court recognized FE LLC Uzdunrobita, a 100% subsidiary of Russia’s MTS in Uzbekistan, as bankrupt on 22 April 2013.

MTS said the claims against Uzdunrobita are unfounded. In May 2013, it was announced that MTS submitted suit against Uzbekistan to ICSID and the case was accepted by the Center.

In December 2013, assets of Uzdunrobita were handed over to balance of Uzbektelecom, national communication operator of Uzbekistan, without right to use them.