KIEV, Oct. 2 - President Viktor Yushchenko on Tuesday banned the State Property Fund from taking any action with Kryviy Rih Oxidized Ore Mining Plant (KROOMP), a major iron ore deposit, Yushchenko’s press service reported.

The move effectively suspends the SPF’s plans to sign a deal with consortium between Russia’s Metalloinvest and Ukraine’s Smart-group to give the consortium a 50% stake in the project.