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Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko told US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during a telephone conversation that Belarus and Russia were ready to jointly respond to external threats, Russian media said, citing Belarusian state media.
Lukashenko, who has remained in power despite massive protests in recent weeks to demand his resignation, is facing a nationwide strike that could begin Monday following an ultimatum issued by opposition leaders.
The Belarusian president has shown no sign of obeying the ultimatum and resigning.
Turn to Russia’s traditional ally
Alexander Lukashenko had tried to bridge the gap with the West in recent years, and Pompeo traveled to Belarus in February in an attempt to “normalize” ties.
But the crisis, after the controversial elections in which Lukashenko remained in power, brought him closer to his traditional ally Russia.
Washington imposed sanctions on Belarusian officials following the violent crackdown on protesters in Minsk and across the country. 
Protesters, chanting slogans and holding opposition flags, flooded the streets of Minsk today, according to images released by local media.
“Russia does not interfere in the internal affairs of Belarus. At the same time, the countries are ready to jointly respond to emerging external threats,” Russian news agency Interfax was quoted as saying on Belarusian state television, referring to a conversation. phone between the two men.
Source: ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ- Reuters
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