BEIJING, Dec. 24 -- Russian state oil firm Rosneft has bought Yukos's core unit, Yuganskneftegaz.

    The move effectively nationalizes eleven percent of the crude output.

    It deals a heavy blow to Yukos attempts to halt its own dismemberment. The core Yukos unit was auctioned last Sunday with Baikal Finance Group the shock winner.

    A Ronsneft official confirmed Thursday it had bought 100 percent of Baikal. Analysts said it meant the Yugansk was now in state hands and possibly out of reach of litigation by lawyers acting for the Yukos side.

    The purchase underscores the Kremlin's determination to prevail and claim Yukos' prize asset for itself. Enditem

(Source: CCTV.com)