Russian Diplomats Visit Arrested Potash CEO

Vladislav Baumgertner (file photo)

Russian diplomats have visited the chief executive of the Russian potash giant Uralkali, Vladislav Baumgertner, who is under house arrest in Minsk.

Russian Consul Igor Karyagin described Baumgertner's living conditions as "good." He said Belarusian authorities might allow Baumgertner to take walks soon.

Baumgertner, a Russian citizen, was arrested in Minsk and charged with abuse of office in August. The move sparked tensions between Belarus and Russia.

Baumgertner was chairman of the Belarusian Potash Company (BKK), a now-defunct joint venture between Uralkali and a Belarusian potash firm, Belaruskali. He was transferred from a detention center to house arrest last week.

The announcement in July that Uralkali was leaving BKK led to a steep drop in the commodity's price, affecting the Belarusian economy.

Based on reporting by Interfax and ITAR-TASS