We will work with Novatekto unlock the Yamal peninsula gas potential usingworld-class technology and combiningthe expertise of both companies as we build a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plant in the area."Darricarrere added that the move dovetailed with Total's long term plans for Russia."The decision to participateinthisLNGprojectcomesasanadditiontothe acquisition of asignificant shareof Novatek'scapital andconfirms Total's long term commitment to Russia." Novatek earlier acquired the controllingstake in Yamal LNGfrom organizations associated withGennady Timchenko for$650 million, and also obtained a three-year option to buy another 23.9%. Now Novatek plans to bring foreign shareholders into the project, while retaining a controlling stake.