Russia says EU meddling in Belarus’ affairs
Russia says the European Union (EU)’s decision not to recognize Alexander Lukashenko as the legitimate president of Belarus constitutes meddling in the Eastern European country’s affairs.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday that the EU’s decision contradicted international law and would complicate the bloc’s dialog with Belarus.
Peskov stressed that the decision would not affect the relations between Moscow and Minsk.
Alexander Lukashenko was sworn in as president of Belarus for a sixth term on Wednesday. He won the country’s presidential election in August. The opposition rejected the official results of the election and claimed there had been voter fraud. Belarus has been experiencing unrest since.
Western governments have repeated the Belarusian opposition’s allegations. The EU announced on September 15 that it did not recognize Lukashenko as the legitimate president of Belarus. On Thursday, the EU’s 27 member states said in a statement that Lukashenko’s inauguration “directly contradicts the will of large parts of the Belarusian population, as expressed in numerous, unprecedented and peaceful protests since the elections.”
Lukashenko has rejected the allegations of vote rigging but proposed the drafting of a new constitution less reliant on the head of state.
Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged to grant a loan of 1.5 billion dollars to Belarus, reaffirming support for the elected administration in the country.
Russia downs over 40 Ukrainian drones as Putin vows 'destruction' on Kiev
Ukraine to cede territory despite US support: Report
Russia arrests suspect 'recruited by Ukraine' over killing of top general
‘Ethnic cleansing’: Hamas blasts Israeli attacks on Gaza hospital amid intl. silence
Saudi delegation meets HTS leader at presidential palace in Damascus
Relentless Israeli ceasefire violations justify need for self-defense: Lebanese MP
Tel Aviv tells Damascus Israeli forces will remain in occupied territory: Report
Dec. 22: ‘Axis of Resistance’ operations against Israeli occupation
‘Abhorrent’: Oxfam says only 12 trucks delivered aid in North Gaza since Oct.
VIDEO | Leader receives religious eulogists on Hazrat Fatima birth anniv.
Pope Francis slams Israel’s ‘machine-gunning’ of Gaza children
PressTV NEWSLETTER
now
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
