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Russian ambassador criticizes Belarusian law enforcement agencies over Baumgertner's arrest

Russian Ambassador Aleksandr Surikov on Tuesday criticized Belarusian law enforcement agencies over the arrest of Uralkali CEO Vladislav Baumgertner.

The top executive was arrested on Monday as he was about to fly out of Minsk after a meeting with Belarusian Prime Minister Mikhail Myasnikovich.

"An invitation is a security guarantee of sorts for the person," Mr. Surikov said in a televised interview. "And the actions of security, law enforcement agencies in this situation, of course, are not quite correct with regard to their government."

On Tuesday, Mr. Surikov met with Deputy Prosecutor General Mikalay Kuklis to discuss Mr. Baumgertner's arrest.

Mr. Surikov questioned the legality of the Russian citizen's arrest and asked the Prosecutor General's Office to order his release.

Mr. Kuklis spoke to the ambassador about the grounds for instituting criminal proceedings against and arresting Mr. Baumgertner, and assured the diplomat that his request would be considered. //BelaPAN