Belarus rejects interference in internal affairs

Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei on Saturday has rejected what he called "unsuccessful attempts to impose a revolution" on his country by foreign governments.

Makei made the remarks in a pre-recorded address to the 75th session of the UN General Assembly.

"Intefererence in our internal affairs, sanctions and other restrictions on Belarus will have the opposite effect and are harmful for absolutely everyone," Makei said.

Protests in Belarus began Aug. 9 after an election that officials said gave President Alexander Lukashenko a sixth term in office.

Opponents and some poll workers say the results, in which Lukashenko was tallied with 80% support, were manipulated.

The protests are by far the largest and most persistent in Belarus since independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

"The future of Republic of Belarus will be decided by its own people as has been shown on more than one occasion over our country's history," the foreign minister said.