"In the light of the uncertainties surrounding the status of my work visa and the sustained harassment of the company and myself I have decided to leave and to work outside Russia temporarily.

"Despite having a valid employment contract I have been unable to obtain a work visa. The uncertainty which has been created by the transit visa, expiring this Sunday, that I now have creates acutely unstable working conditions for me and a distraction to the TNK-BP Group.

"In addition to the much-publicised dispute between shareholders, the company and I have faced unprecedented investigations, proceedings, enquiries and other burdens.

"I have taken this decision after appropriate reflection, on the basis of unequivocal external legal advice and I shall continue as chief executive of TNK-BP, group chief executive and chairman of the management board.

"I shall seek to provide continuity of management in the best interests of all shareholders pending a resolution of the differences between Alfa, Access, Renova and BP.

"During this period I will continue to discharge my duties and I have all necessary authority to do so. I have been advised that this temporary exercise of authority whilst outside Russia is both lawful and better for all shareholders than the alternatives.

"Finally, I will endeavour to continue to serve the best interests of all shareholders and hope that administrative pressure on the group will now ease. I hope this will enable our employees to continue with our business, outside of the media glare whilst the shareholders seek to resolve their differences.

"I sincerely hope that the shareholders will be willing and able to facilitate this process."

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