Kremlin wants radio station 'independent'

A senior Kremlin aide has denied accusations that the Russian Government wants to exercise political control over the leading independent radio station, Echo of Moscow.

The aide, Sergei Yastrzhembsky, insisted that the administration wants to see the station remain independent.

Last week, a Moscow court handed the state-dominated natural gas monopoly, Gazprom, a controlling stake in the station, prompting several senior executives to tender their resignations.

Echo of Moscow is part of the now largely-dismantled media empire built by tycoon Vladimir Gusinsky, and is regarded as one of Russia's most reliable radio stations.

The station is still in talks with Gazprom about buying back a 9% stake - a move that would cut down Gazprom's share to below a controlling stake.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service