Russia: Potash boss at centre of storm

Russia put pressure on Belarus yesterday to release Vladislav Baumgertner, the head of Uralkali, the largest potash producer, after talks with Belarus Prime Minister Mikhail Myasnikovich. Baumgertner was arrested on suspicion of abusing his post over Uralkali’s decision to quit the Russian-Belarus cartel, which rocked the $20 billion (R205 billion) potash market and upset Belarus. “It is impermissible to detain a person after he came at the invitation of the Belarussian government,” Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin told Interfax news agency. – Reuters