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Russia extends TNK man's visa
18.07.08
TNK-BP boss Robert Dudley has had a 10-day reprieve in the visa row that could yet shake the world's perception of how western businessfriendly the new Kremlin regime is.
The Russians today granted the extension to his visa, which ran out yesterday.
He has been threatened that his visa will not be renewed amidst the power struggle between BP and its 50% partners in its Russian joint venture, four oligarchs who are lobbying to gain control of the business.
Dudley, president and chief executive of TNK-BP, has faced allegations of breaking employment law - with the claims seen as a ruse to destabilise BP.
"Over the next 10 days, I will answer questions surrounding the labour terms of my contract," said Dudley. "I'm optimistic this will be resolved."
• President Dmitry Medvedev appeared to undermine western ambitions in Russia further today by announcing new offshore oil and gas licences will be awarded without tenders or auctions.
