Moscow authorities have rejected suggestions that they are targeting energy company BP, which has recalled 148 staff because of visa problems.

Officials at Russia's immigration department and the Interior Ministry said that there are "no special actions" against BP or the joint venture, TNK-BP.

The denials are, however, unlikely to ease concerns that BP and TNK-BP are caught in a political battle led by a faction that wants the companies to relinquish control of some assets in Russia.

BP said on Tuesday that it had failed to renew the visas for 148 staff on secondment to TNK-BP because of recent changes in immigration rules. ... Read full article