Belarus borders remain open despite President Lukashenko's closure threat

Belarus' borders with Poland and Lithuania remained open on Friday, September 18 despite President Alexander Lukashenko threatening ir closure. As per reports, Belarusian President has w accused his neighbours of instigating mass protests in country. Belarus protests have entered ir sixth week despite multiple reports of arrest and authoritarian crackdowns on anti-government demonstrations. 

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Unrest in Belarus

On September 17, Lukashenko has anunced that he was putting army on high alert and closing borders with Lithuania and Poland. According to reports, Lukashenko said, “We are forced to withdraw troops from streets, put army on high alert and close state border on west, primarily with Lithuania and Poland”. However, National Border Guard Service said all border checkpoints remained open even though controls and inspections were strengned.

Earlier this week, Lukashenko has also accused United States of funding Belarus protests. According to reports, in a long speech to top officials, Belarusian President did t provide any evidence to back his claim of US involvement in Belarus protests.

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Meanwhile, Opposition leer Sviatlana Tsikhauskaya has said that Lukashenko's comments are an attempt to divert public attention from rigged elections. In a written comment to Associated Press, Sviatlana said, “re is just one reason behind protests in Belarus and it’s kwn to everyone: Lukashenko has lost vote, but he doesn’t want to step down. People have denied Lukashenko ir trust and support and demand that he leave”.

Alexander Lukashenko has served 26 years in office and was declared to have once again won at recent elections but protestors believe that ballot was rigged. Following mass unrest on streets of Minks, European Union and United States have condemned Lukashenko's crackdown on his opponents. 

Tsikhauskaya has been forced to flee country after several threats to her life and is currently residing in Poland. On or hand, bel laureate Svetlana Alexievich has accused Belarusian authorities of terrorising ir own people as she urged protestors to remain united in face of versity. 

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(Im Credits: AP)