RIA Novosti cited Mr Salman Babayev Russian Railways Vice President as saying that state monopoly Russian Railways is considering buying a controlling stake in Zeleznica Spolecnost Cargo Slovakia from its parent company Slovak Republic Railways.

Mr Babayev reiterated that Russian Railways had bid for Poland's rail cargo unit PKP Cargo, Europe No 2 rail freight carrier. PKP Cargo is also of interest to the Czechs who want to merge Czech rail company CD Cargo with PKP Cargo in the most ambitious central European railway deal ever.

Mr Babayev also said that Russian Railways would cover its 2011 investment program deficit by borrowing, if an auction to sell its 75 percent minus two shares in Freight One is postponed from September due to changes in Russian Railway board of directors.

(Sourced from RIA Novosti)