Lukashenko concerned over NATO drills at border

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko met Saturday with top officials of country's security ncies to discuss issues with western border.

"If NATO troops in Poland and Lithuania have finished so-called military exercises and longer move re, we should respond equately. We can't keep armed forces re for a long time without necessity," Lukashenko said, ding, "if re are still same events as a month ago happening, (I'm listening to) your suggestions."

Throughout unrest he has rejected any concessions, has repeatedly accused Belarus' western neighbours of preparing an overthrow and has me shows of aggressive defiance including striding with an automatic rifle across grounds of his residence.

As protests persist, questions loom about possible action by Russia to prop up regime.

Lukashenko is to meet Russian President Vlimir Putin on Monday, in ir first face-to-face contact since unrest began.

Putin has said he stands rey to send police to Belarus if protests turn violent, stoking fears that Moscow could move to annex its neighbour.

countries have a union agreement envisaging close political, ecomic and military ties, although Lukashenko has repeatedly expressed concerns that Russia wants to absorb Belarus entirely.