MOSCOW — On Tuesday, news bulletins posted a few curious items concerning the privatization of Svyazinvest. If we sum them up, the general picture of preparations for the auction will become clearer. A week ago, Leonid Leyman, communications minister, estimated the state-owned stake in Svyazinvest at USD1.4bn, although it was obviously below the aggregate market value of Svyazinvest's components, a fact to which Alfa Group representatives have pointed. And yesterday, president of Sistema Financial Corporation Vladimir Yevtushenkov made some corrections to the minister's assertion and stated that the holding was ready to pay USD2.5-3bn for a 75-percent stake, which reflects current evaluations. At that, should Sistema bid with a partner, and many believe Telecominvest to be the most likely partner, Alfa Group, tied up by its commitments to dispose of TNK-BP tax claims, will be the main rival. The bid is to take place in late 2005, or in early 2006. Hence, if Alfa Group is forced to use its financial resources to discharge TNK's tax arrears, Sistema and its partner will be left as the only favorite in the bid, Aton Capital analysts say.