In a statement released this morning, United Group has reacted to the audio recording which OCCRP published yesterday:

"United Group draws attention to the publication of an audio recording of a telephone conversation between its CEO Stan Miller and the CEO of Telekom Serbia, Vladimir Lucic.

United Group confirms that a conversation took place between the two CEOs on business topics.

Earlier this year, United Group sold its assets to Telekom Serbia. As a result of this transaction, regular communication was established between the companies, which is a common business practice. United Group notes that the recording made public is incomplete and does not reflect the entire conversation and the context of these discussions.

At no time did Telekom Serbia, nor any other organization or person, exert or attempt to exert pressure on United Group in relation to the professional duties of Aleksandra Subotic.

United Group does not yield to political influence of any nature.

Aleksandra Subotic is not a member of the editorial team of any news organization of United Group, nor has she ever been a member of the editorial team. Recent media reports that Ms. Subotic is part of the editorial team are false. Ms. Subotic is on the United Group management team and remains in her position. Mr. Miller stated in the record that he will not terminate Ms. Subotic’s contract.

United Group is firmly committed to a clear and unambiguous separation between management and editorial decisions. In addition, the company recently engaged two independent international advisors to review its journalistic work and take further steps to ensure its independence. United Group strongly rejects any allegations that it seeks to undermine the independence of its news organizations.

United Group condemns the unlawful recording of private conversations, as in the present case.