Poland orders closure of Russian consulate in Krakow, citing arson attack

The fire broke out in Warsaw last May (AP)

Polish foreign minister Radek Sikorski has ordered the closure of Russia’s consulate in the southern city of Krakow after Polish authorities said Russia was responsible for a fire that destroyed a shopping centre in Warsaw last year.

“In connection with the evidence that the Russian special services committed a reprehensible act of sabotage against the shopping centre on Marywilska Street, I have decided to withdraw my consent to the operation of the consulate of the Russian Federation in Krakow,” Mr Sikorski said in a statement.