Russia's BasEL says may close Montenegro plant

MOSCOW, (Reuters) - Russian holding company Basic Element (BasEL)'s En+ Group said on Friday it does not rule out shutting down Montenegro's KAP aluminium smelter as talks with the government over an aid package continue. 'We understand how important the plant is for the country, but because of the crisis it is only possible to operate it with government support,' En+ spokesman Petr Lidov said. 'Nonetheless, we cannot rule out the possibility of a forced shut-down of production.' The plant accounts for 15 percent of the Balkan nation's GDP and 50 percent of its exports. Basic Element acquired a controlling stake in the plant in 2005.