Belarus: Lukashenko orders government to prevent "unrest"

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko (center) during his visit to the MZKT factory in Minsk on August 17, 2020. Nikolay PETROV / BELTA / AFP

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While the Europeans said on Wednesday that they did not recognize the result of the Belarusian presidential election on August 9, President Alexander Lukashenko ordered his government, at the same time, to prevent "unrest" in Belarus and to strengthen borders. .

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“  There should be no more trouble in Minsk. People are tired and demand peace and quiet,  ”Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on the 11th day of protest actions by the opposition challenging the results of the August 9 presidential election. It was after a meeting with its Security Council, according to comments broadcast by the state news agency, Belta.

"  The overwhelming majority [of the population]  are used to living in a calm country and we must make this country calm again,  " he added, amid daily opposition protests. He also ordered the strengthening of border controls "in  order to prevent militants, weapons, ammunition or money from other countries from entering Belarus to finance the riots  ".

The borders with Poland and Lithuania in the viewfinder

Alexander Loukachenko also asked the army to pay "  particular attention to the movements of NATO troops on the territory of Poland and Lithuania  ", two countries bordering Belarus. He called for "  not to hesitate to direct the armed forces and equipment in the direction of their movements  ".

Finally, he urged the government to "  make sure that businesses run smoothly  " after the opposition called for strike action in several industries vital to the Belarusian economy. Officially declared the winner with more than 80% of the vote after a contested presidential election, Alexander Lukashenko, in power since 1994, is facing increasing pressure both in Belarus and abroad. He repeatedly rejected the idea of ​​leaving.

(  With AFP  )

► To read also: Belarus: Russia wonders about the support to be given to a Lukashenko

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  • Belarus
  • Alexander Lukashenko

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