The West boycotted Lukashenko ceremony

Minsk - A month after his controversial re-election has taken over the last 16 years, ruling with an iron hand Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko officially launched its new term. In protest against the suppression of the opposition boycotted representative of the European Union and the United States, the ceremony in Minsk.

He announced his intention to protect the security and stability of his country against "attacks from home and abroad." As the last dictator of Europe criticized president vowed on Friday to serve in the capital, about 2500 guests at the Palace of the Republic on the Constitution, loyal to his country.


Russia was represented at the federal government of Belarus televised ceremony by its Ambassador. Democratic aspirations in Belarus, Lukashenko issued again strongly condemned. "The virus infects the (...) revolutions only weak countries. In Belarus there are no breeding ground for it." To accusations that his re-election on 19 December had been falsified, "said the head of state, the vote was" absolutely transparent "run.

Coup allegations against Germany Lukashenko accused Germany and Poland on the eve of his inauguration, to plan his downfall. Berlin and Warsaw had rejected this as absurd. About 30 Belarusian government opponents are because of the alleged coup attempt in prison. They face long prison sentences.

The cooperation of his country with Russia as a priority, Lukashenko said after taking the oath. However, Belarus is aware of its "geopolitical role as a bridge between East and West". Minsk, therefore closing a cooperation with the EU and the U.S. is not, "said the 1994 ruling authoritarian head of state.

At the same time held a ceremony in Minsk, numerous EU ambassadors accredited in Lithuania. They met with students from Belarus who had been referred to in their homeland for political reasons by the universities. The EU wants 31 January on sanctions against the Lukashenko regime to decide.

As possible, is that the foreign ministers of 27 EU countries at a meeting in Brussels will impose a travel ban against Belarusian leaders and leave their accounts in EU countries blocked. Against Lukashenko and 35 officials is already a 31 October 2011-limited, but is presently exposed to the EU travel ban.

The sanctions were then adopted as part of a hoped-for rapprochement on hold. Moreover, Belarus is incorporated into the Eastern Partnership Programme.

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