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Minsk (AFP)
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko was sworn in for a sixth term in a secret ceremony held without prior announcement, state news agency Belta reported on Wednesday.
Lukashenko has faced mass demonstrations against his government in Minsk and other cities since he was proclaimed the winner in the disputed August 9 elections, and has made only rare public appearances.
“Alexander Lukashenko has assumed the post of President of Belarus. The inauguration ceremony takes place on these minutes at the Independence Palace,” the news agency reported.
Previous independent news agencies reported that the streets were closed as Lukashenko’s caravan passed through the capital Minsk, prompting speculation that the inauguration should take place, while there was no official confirmation.
Lukashenko’s official website did not make any announcements and the ceremony was not broadcast live on state television, apparently to avoid the gathering of protesters.
The 66-year-old leader, in power since 1994, watched a protest rally from his helicopter, describing the protesters as “rats,” and then disembarked wearing a bulletproof vest and a Kalashnikov.
He has sought the backing of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has promised him police backing if necessary, as well as a $ 1.5 billion loan.
His main opposition rival, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, claimed that he won the elections but has taken refuge in Lithuania, while Lukashenko has imprisoned or expelled other key opposition figures.
The European Union’s foreign ministers on Monday failed to agree on sanctions over the political crisis, despite a request for support from Tikhanovskaya.
Cyprus, which has good relations with Russia, has vetoed the sanctions proposed by the EU.
© 2020 AFP
