U.S. Steel declined to comment today on statements by Serbian government officials that the Balkan government will repurchase U.S. Steel's troubled mill there for $1.

News reports said Prime Minister Mirko Cvetkovic told journalists a sales agreement will be signed Tuesday, the same day U.S. Steel is scheduled to discuss its fourth quarter results with analysts.

The Pittsburgh steelmaker said in October it was not satisfied with the Serbian plant's results and was considering options.

U.S. Steel's European operations, which include a plant in the Slovak Republic, generated $50 million of operating losses during the third quarter and $73 million in losses over the first nine months of last year. They have been hurt by the weak European economy and other factors.

U.S. Steel purchased the Serbian plant in 2003 for $33 million.

"We do not comment on other parties' press releases and conferences," U.S. Steel said in a statement. "We are exploring all options related to our operations in Serbia."

Shortly before 2 p.m., U.S. Steel shares were priced at $30.04, up 67 cents.