Russia's Lukoil says it reserves the right to seek judicial protection in Bulgaria

MOSCOW, Nov 19 (Reuters) - Russia's Lukoil LKOH.MM said on Wednesday that it reserves the right to seek judicial protection of its rights and legitimate interests in Bulgaria after an external manager was appointed to run its assets there.

"Lukoil is taking all necessary steps to complete the sale of the refinery, the filling station network and other assets in Bulgaria to a new owner and expects that the activities of the external administrator will not impede this process," the Lukoil said in a statement.

Last week, Bulgaria's government appointed a special manager who will oversee the operation of Lukoil's Burgas refinery beyond November 21, when U.S. sanctions are due to come into effect, and sell the company if necessary.​