MOSCOW, Nov 19 (Reuters) - Russia's Lukoil

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.​