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Lukashenko sworn in as Belarus president

Wednesday, 23 September 2020 9:53 AM [ Last Update: Wednesday, 23 September 2020 10:40 AM ]

This file photo, taken on September 17, 2020, shows Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko addressing a forum in Minsk. (By AFP)

Aleksander Lukashenko has taken the oath of office as the president of Belarus in an official ceremony in the capital city, Minsk.

“Alexander Lukashenko has taken office as President of Belarus. The inauguration ceremony is taking place in these minutes in the Palace of Independence,” Belta News Agency reported on Wednesday.

Senior lawmakers from the House of Representatives and the Council of the Republic, top executives of state organizations, and scientists, artists, athletes, and other public figures attended the swearing-in ceremony.

Lukashenko won re-election in the August 9 presidential race, in which he garnered the support of 80 percent of the voters.

The opposition rejected the official results and claimed there had been voter fraud. Post-election unrest followed.

Belarus has rejected allegations of vote rigging.

The United States and the European Union (EU) have refused to recognize Lukashenko and threatened Minsk with sanctions over alleged election fraud and a purported crackdown on protesters.

Lukashenko has said Western governments are seeking to destabilize the country.

Lukashenko has served as president of Belarus since the establishment of the office 26 years ago, on July 20, 1994.

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