EU says Belarus president's inauguration will deepen crisis

European Union said Thursday that swearing in of Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko to a sixth term during a secretive ceremony lacks democratic legitimacy, defies will of Belarusian people and will only deepen country’s political crisis.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell reiterated that 27-nation bloc did t recognize result of Aug. 9 election that kept Lukashenko in power after 26 years and said that “on this basis, so-called ‘inauguration’...and new mandate claimed by (him) lack any democratic legitimacy.”

Thousands of Belarus citizens have taken part in more than six weeks of rallies against authoritarian leader’s reelection, which opposition says was rigged.

“This ‘inauguration’ directly contradicts will of large parts of Belarusian population, as expressed in numerous, unprecedented and peaceful protests since elections, and serves to only furr deepen political crisis in Belarus,” Borrell said in a statement.

Lukashenko was sworn in Wednesday at an inaugural ceremony that was t anunced in advance. Police and or security forces blocked off parts of city and public transportation was suspended.

Borrell underlined EU’s belief that “Belarusian citizens deserve right to be represented by those y freely choose through new inclusive, transparent and credible elections,” He praised ir cour.

On Monday, EU foreign ministers failed to impose sanctions on Belarus officials suspected of election fraud or of playing a part in a brutal security crackdown on post-election protests, despite appeals from Lukashenko’s main opponent to take courous action against his regime.

Cyprus continues to block sanctions move until similar measures are slapped on Turkey for its disputed energy exploration in eastern Mediterranean Sea. EU leaders will try to break deadlock when y meet in Brussels on Oct. 1.

In an email statement to Associated Press on Thursday, Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod said “Lukashenko does t belong in a presidential palace. He belongs on EU sanctions list.”

“ secrecy surrounding his inauguration ceremony just illustrates that he has t been sworn in based on free and fair elections, but on election fraud and violence,” Kofod said.