Belarus President Lukashenko reiterates Russia's US funding theory to disparage protestors

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko belittled mass protests raging on Minsk streets as United States plan to destabilize country on Thursday, September 17.

According to reports, in a long speech to top officials, Lukashenko did t provide any evidence to back his claim of US involvement in Belarus protests. However, his main opponent, Sviatlana Tsikhauskaya said that his comments are an attempt to divert public attention from rigged elections and protests. 

Lukashenko claims US involvement 

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”.

Lukashenko's claims came after Russian intelligence chief Sergei Naryshkin accused United States of fomenting mass protests in Belarus. Naryshkin alleged Belarus protests were being funded by United States and said US authorities were encouraging protestors to demonstrate against Lukashenko.

Re: Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko Confirms Plan To Change Constitution: Kremlin

Russian intelligence chief is also reported to have claimed in his statement that massive protest in Belarus was US’s way of trying to bring about ar ‘colour revolution’ referring to past revolutions which have seen fall of unpopular leers in Ukraine and or former Soviet nations.

Naryshkin also claimed that his ncy has discovered substantial proof of US involvement in Belarus unrest and alleged that western power was supporting protestors with tens of millions of dollars. US Embassy in Minsk refrained from an immediate comment.

Re: Belarus Leer Visits Russia To Secure Support Amid Protests

Belarus protests have entered ir sixth week despite multiple reports of arrest and authoritarian crackdowns on anti-government demonstrations. On Sunday, protestors were also seen carrying placards critical of Russia for its support to Lukashenko. Belarusian leer has served 26 years in office and was declared to have won recent elections but protestors believe that ballot was rigged.

Meanwhile, both European Union and United States have called Belarus elections neir free r fair. 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. 

Re: Belarus President Lukashenko Set To Meet Putin To Seek Support Amid Protests

Also Re: Belarus Opposition Leer Maxim Znak Detained By Masked Men: Report

(Im Credits: AP)