Lukashenko concerned over NATO drills at border

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

"If NATO troops in Poland and Lithuania have finished so-called military exercises and no longer move there, we should respond adequately. We can't keep armed forces there for a long time without necessity," Lukashenko said, adding, "if there are still the same events as a month ago happening, (I'm listening to) your suggestions."

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

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

Lukashenko is to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, in their first face-to-face contact since the unrest began.

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

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