Police detained over 150 people in Minsk and other Belarusian cities where protests were held Sunday, according to the Viasna center.

Police fire warning shots as thousands protest in Belarus

Riot police fired warning shots into the air, used stun grenades and arrested more than 200 people to deter tens of thousands of Belarusians who marched through Minsk on Sunday to demand veteran leader Alexander Lukashenko leave power.

Tens of thousands protest in Belarus, defying warning shots

With Belarus still rocked by protests against President Alexander Lukashenko, the strongman leader promoted the Minsk police chief to new interior minister on Thursday.

Belarus: Lukashenko closes borders amid security shakeup

As Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko faces increasing pressure over his resignation, he has intensified the efforts to curtail the mass movement and in the latest move shut down the country's borders and replaced the interior minister.&nbsp;

Minsk said it has closed its borders with Poland, Latvia, Lithuania and Ukraine over the Covid-19 pandemic. But, the Belarusian leader has been at loggerheads with his European Union neighbours since the country stepped into a political turmoil post his re-election over serious allegations that the polls were rigged.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lukashenko-shakes-up-security-team-to-stamp-out-belarus-protests-338810">Lukashenko shakes up security team to stamp out Belarus protests</a>

Cars arriving in Belarus were denied entry from 1400 GMT, and in few hours the border was closed for outgoing cars, said Rustamas Liubajevas, head of the Lithuanian border guard, as quoted by news agency Reuters. He also said the new order came without an advance warning.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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Minsk has also appointed Ivan Kubrakov, the head of police who is largely responsible for the crackdown on protesters demonstrating in Minsk, as the interior minister.

Meanwhile, streets of Minsk were largely deserted, though the main stories and pharmacies were open on Monday morning as the nationwide strike began following the expiry of the deadline for Lukashenko to step down, as reported by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Prominent opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya had given Lukashenko until Sunday to resign, stop violence against demonstrators and release political prisoners, failing which would otherwise lead to a general strike from Monday.

Since Lukashenko's re-election, there have been mass protests in the country for the last two months with tens of thousands participating in these demonstrations every Sunday.&nbsp;

Many people have died and several others were arrested as government continued its crackdown on the protesters.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

As Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko faces increasing pressure over his resignation, he has intensified the efforts to curtail the mass movement and in the latest move shut down the country's borders and replaced the interior minister.

As Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko faces increasing pressure over his resignation, he has intensified the efforts to curtail the mass movement and in the latest move shut down the country's borders and replaced the interior minister. Minsk said it has closed its borders with Poland, Latvia, Lithuania and Ukraine over the Covid-19 pandemic. But, the Belarusian leader has been at loggerheads with his European Union neighbours since the country stepped into a political turmoil post his re-election over serious allegations that the polls were rigged. Also read | Lukashenko shakes up security team to stamp out Belarus protests Cars arriving in Belarus were denied entry from 1400 GMT, and in few hours the border was closed for outgoing cars, said Rustamas Liubajevas, head of the Lithuanian border guard, as quoted by news agency Reuters. He also said the new order came without an advance warning. Watch | Minsk has also appointed Ivan Kubrakov, the head of police who is largely responsible for the crackdown on protesters demonstrating in Minsk, as the interior minister. Meanwhile, streets of Minsk were largely deserted, though the main stories and pharmacies were open on Monday morning as the nationwide strike began following the expiry of the deadline for Lukashenko to step down, as reported by news agency AFP. Prominent opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya had given Lukashenko until Sunday to resign, stop violence against demonstrators and release political prisoners, failing which would otherwise lead to a general strike from Monday. Since Lukashenko's re-election, there have been mass protests in the country for the last two months with tens of thousands participating in these demonstrations every Sunday. Many people have died and several others were arrested as government continued its crackdown on the protesters.

Alexander Lukashenko shuts Belarusian borders, replaces interior minister as mass protests continue

Factory workers chanted slogans, students and pensioners took to the streets, and police detained at least 235 people on Monday as the Belarusian opposition sought to intensify pressure on veteran leader Alexander Lukashenko with a nationwide strike.

Belarus: Workers and students pose strike challenge to Belarusian leader

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko told U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a phone call on Saturday that Belarus and Russia were ready to respond jointly to external threats, Russian agencies quoted Belarus state media as saying.

Belarus and Russia will respond to external threats, Lukashenko tells Pompeo

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, who is facing an opposition threat of a national strike, spoke by phone with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Saturday, state media reported.

No details of the call were immediately available, the Belta news agency said.

Lukashenko, who is holding on to power despite major protests in recent weeks calling for him to resign, is facing the prospect of a national strike that could begin on Monday following an ultimatum set by opposition leaders.

Lukashenko has shown no sign he will heed the ultimatum and step down. Protests against his 26-year rule began following an Aug. 9 election victory his opponents say was rigged.

Washington has imposed sanctions on Belarus officials following violent crackdowns at demonstrations in Minsk and across the country.

Protesters shouting slogans and waving red-and-white opposition flags marched through the streets of Minsk on Saturday, footage taken by local media showed.

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, who is facing an opposition threat of a national strike, spoke by phone with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Saturday, state media reported.

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, who is facing an opposition threat of a national strike, spoke by phone with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Saturday, state media reported. No details of the call were immediately available, the Belta news agency said. Lukashenko, who is holding on to power despite major protests in recent weeks calling for him to resign, is facing the prospect of a national strike that could begin on Monday following an ultimatum set by opposition leaders. Lukashenko has shown no sign he will heed the ultimatum and step down. Protests against his 26-year rule began following an Aug. 9 election victory his opponents say was rigged. Washington has imposed sanctions on Belarus officials following violent crackdowns at demonstrations in Minsk and across the country. Protesters shouting slogans and waving red-and-white opposition flags marched through the streets of Minsk on Saturday, footage taken by local media showed.

Belarus president Lukashenko speaks by phone to Pompeo: Media

The US Embassy in Belarus has recommended its compatriots to avoid mass gatherings and stock up with at least three-day supply of food, water and medicines, in light of the so-called People's Ultimatum announced by Belarusian ex-presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya to the government in Minsk.

Earlier in October, Tikhanovskaya warned the Belarusian authorities that all the enterprises across the country would start a nationwide strike and all roads would be blocked if the government failed to fulfil three demands: President Alexander Lukashenko should resign, violence against protesters should end, and all the political prisoners should be released. The ultimatum expires on Sunday.

"Last week, a 'People's Ultimatum' was declared calling for the Government of Belarus to meet certain demands by the deadline of October 25. As part of the ultimatum, if demands were not met, consequences were also announced (protests, strikes, blocking traffic, and other measures). Considering the ultimatum, security forces and protesters might escalate their use of force during protests, demonstrations, rallies, and other similar large gatherings," the embassy said.

The US embassy called on compatriots to avoid mass gatherings, monitor local media updates, carry proper identification at all times, including a US passport with a current Belarusian visa."Maintain at least a three-day supply of food, water, medications, cash and other essential items for emergency use," the statement said.

Mass opposition protests have been ongoing in Belarus since the August 9 presidential election in which Lukashenko secured his sixth consecutive term. The opposition has refused to recognize the official results and continues holding rallies.

The US Embassy in Belarus has recommended its compatriots to avoid mass gatherings and stock up with at least three-day supply of food, water and medicines, in light of the so-called People's Ultimatum announced by Belarusian ex-presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya to the government in Minsk.

The US Embassy in Belarus has recommended its compatriots to avoid mass gatherings and stock up with at least three-day supply of food, water and medicines, in light of the so-called People's Ultimatum announced by Belarusian ex-presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya to the government in Minsk. Earlier in October, Tikhanovskaya warned the Belarusian authorities that all the enterprises across the country would start a nationwide strike and all roads would be blocked if the government failed to fulfil three demands: President Alexander Lukashenko should resign, violence against protesters should end, and all the political prisoners should be released. The ultimatum expires on Sunday. "Last week, a 'People's Ultimatum' was declared calling for the Government of Belarus to meet certain demands by the deadline of October 25. As part of the ultimatum, if demands were not met, consequences were also announced (protests, strikes, blocking traffic, and other measures). Considering the ultimatum, security forces and protesters might escalate their use of force during protests, demonstrations, rallies, and other similar large gatherings," the embassy said. The US embassy called on compatriots to avoid mass gatherings, monitor local media updates, carry proper identification at all times, including a US passport with a current Belarusian visa."Maintain at least a three-day supply of food, water, medications, cash and other essential items for emergency use," the statement said. Mass opposition protests have been ongoing in Belarus since the August 9 presidential election in which Lukashenko secured his sixth consecutive term. The opposition has refused to recognize the official results and continues holding rallies.

US advises compatriots in Belarus to stock up essentials as opposition's ultimatum expires

Belarus' interior ministry said on Thursday the opposition protests in the country were developing into a terrorist threat. Belarus has been roiled in protests for more than two months now.&nbsp;

Amid all the protests, the head of Russia's SVR foreign intelligence service made a surprise visit to Belarus on Thursday. This is widely being seen as Russia's support for Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko.

Lukashenko was elected president in August 9 elections and won a landslide victory. However, his opponents say that the elections were rigged. Massive protests have rocked the country since then. Lukashenko has been ruling Belarus for more than two decades.

On Thursday, the European Parliament awarded Belarus' democratic opposition its annual human rights prize, in support of the country's protests against the results of an August presidential election that the West and the opposition say was rigged.

The parliament cited 10 opposition figures in its award statement, including the main opposition candidate Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and Nobel laureate author Svetlana Alexievich.

The EU, Britain, Canada and United States accuse Lukashenko of maintaining power by holding fraudulent elections, jailing opponents and muzzling independent media.

The 50,000 euro ($59,180) Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, named after Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov, is awarded every year. Past winners include South African President Nelson Mandela, Venezuela's democratic opposition and Pakistani education activist Malala Yousafzai.

(With Reuters inputs)

Belarus' interior ministry said on Thursday the opposition protests in the country were developing into a terrorist threat. Belarus has been roiled in protests for more than two months now.

Belarus' interior ministry said on Thursday the opposition protests in the country were developing into a terrorist threat. Belarus has been roiled in protests for more than two months now. Amid all the protests, the head of Russia's SVR foreign intelligence service made a surprise visit to Belarus on Thursday. This is widely being seen as Russia's support for Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko. Lukashenko was elected president in August 9 elections and won a landslide victory. However, his opponents say that the elections were rigged. Massive protests have rocked the country since then. Lukashenko has been ruling Belarus for more than two decades. On Thursday, the European Parliament awarded Belarus' democratic opposition its annual human rights prize, in support of the country's protests against the results of an August presidential election that the West and the opposition say was rigged. The parliament cited 10 opposition figures in its award statement, including the main opposition candidate Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and Nobel laureate author Svetlana Alexievich. The EU, Britain, Canada and United States accuse Lukashenko of maintaining power by holding fraudulent elections, jailing opponents and muzzling independent media. The 50,000 euro ($59,180) Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, named after Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov, is awarded every year. Past winners include South African President Nelson Mandela, Venezuela's democratic opposition and Pakistani education activist Malala Yousafzai. (With Reuters inputs)

Belarus says opposition protests developing into terrorist threat

Belarus is currently under political turmoil. Tens of thousands of people gather on the streets every weekend demanding the resignation of President Alexander Lukashenko.

WION Dispatch: Lukashenko to track down protesters in Belarus

Belarus is currently under a political turmoil. Tens of thousand of people gather on the streets every weekends demanding the resignation of the President Alexander Lukashenko.

Belarus: President Alexander Lukashenko's veiled threat to protesters

Belarus under a political turmoil, thousand of people hit the streets against President

Belarus has put opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya on its wanted list for allegedly making calls to overthrow the constitutional order, the interior ministry of close ally Russia said on Friday.

Belarus puts opposition leader Sviatlana on wanted list for making 'calls to overthrow constitutional order'

Belarus’ government has said that the police will now be permitted to use firearms against protesters “if need be” as demonstrations demanding the resignation of President Alexander Lukashenko.

Belarus Protests: Belarus ramps up crackdown on protests

The European Union Monday came to a conclusion to sanction Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and other senior officials over an August 9 election they say was rigged.

The EU cited worsening police violence against protesters as the reason for the sanctions.

Lukashenko, who has been in power for 26 years, was not on the EU’s sanctions list of 40 names agreed on October 2, but the bloc now says his refusal to consider new elections as a way out of the crisis leaves it with no choice.

“There has not been any kind of signal from the Belarus authorities to engage in any kind of conversation,” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, who chaired the EU ministers’ meeting in Luxembourg, said, citing a “complete lack of will” from Lukashenko to consider talks on holding a free and fair presidential election.

The latest round of sanctions is likely to take several days to prepare, but envoys said the travel bans and asset freezes were no longer conditional on the situation in Belarus, which ministers said was dramatically worsening.

Police said they had detained 713 people at mass protests on Sunday in which security forces used water cannon and batons to break up crowds demanding a new presidential election.

Belarus announced retaliatory sanctions against the EU earlier this month.

(with inputs)

The European Union Monday came to a conclusion to sanction Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and other senior officials over an August 9 election they say was rigged.

The European Union Monday came to a conclusion to sanction Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and other senior officials over an August 9 election they say was rigged. The EU cited worsening police violence against protesters as the reason for the sanctions. Lukashenko, who has been in power for 26 years, was not on the EU’s sanctions list of 40 names agreed on October 2, but the bloc now says his refusal to consider new elections as a way out of the crisis leaves it with no choice. “There has not been any kind of signal from the Belarus authorities to engage in any kind of conversation,” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, who chaired the EU ministers’ meeting in Luxembourg, said, citing a “complete lack of will” from Lukashenko to consider talks on holding a free and fair presidential election. The latest round of sanctions is likely to take several days to prepare, but envoys said the travel bans and asset freezes were no longer conditional on the situation in Belarus, which ministers said was dramatically worsening. Police said they had detained 713 people at mass protests on Sunday in which security forces used water cannon and batons to break up crowds demanding a new presidential election. Belarus announced retaliatory sanctions against the EU earlier this month. (with inputs)

EU imposes sanctions on Lukashenko, citing worsening situation in Belarus

Belarus police will now be permitted to use combat weapons in the streets if needed, the Interior Ministry said on Monday

Belarus allows police to use firearms against protesters

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-opposition-leader-says-trial-for-lukashenko-subject-to-negotiation-333612">Belarus</a> security officials on Sunday used water cannon and batons on protesters who were demanding fresh presidential election.

Watch:

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Reports said police detained several protesters beating them with their batons at a rally in Minsk. According to Russia's Interfax news agency, at least 50 people have been detained.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-several-eu-nations-uk-withdraws-envoy-from-belarus-334278">Also Read:&nbsp;After several EU nations, UK withdraws envoy from Belarus</a>

Lukashenko who has been in power since 1994 has been accused by the Opposition of fraudulently winning the elections even as several leaders have been arrested or fled abroad.Black-clad masked police were seen hitting protesters as demonstrators came out with umbrellas on Sunday afternoon. 
&nbsp; 
The country has witnessed a series of protests ever since Alexander Lukashenko won the August 9 election with a landslide.

Opposition leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-puts-belarus-opposition-leader-sviatlana-tsikhanouskaya-on-wanted-list-333276">Sviatlana </a>Tsikhanouskaya who fled the country has called for "new free and transparent elections" even as senior Belarus officials have been accused of fraud and human rights abuses.&nbsp;

Demonstrators have been demanding Lukashenko's removal for months amid large scale protests even as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-announces-sanctions-list-in-retaliation-against-eu-331966">EU</a> has imposed sanctions on the country including the United States, Britain and Canada.

Lukashenko had on Saturday visited jailed Opposition leaders. "I am trying to convince not only your supporters but the whole of society that one needs to look at things more broadly," the 66-year-old leader said in a video release.&nbsp;

"The aim of the president is to hear everyone's' opinion," Lukashenko's press service said amid large scale protests against his rule in the country.

Belarus security officials on Sunday used water cannon and batons on protesters who were demanding fresh presidential election. Watch: Reports said police detained several protesters beating them with their batons at a rally in Minsk.

Belarus security officials on Sunday used water cannon and batons on protesters who were demanding fresh presidential election. Watch: Reports said police detained several protesters beating them with their batons at a rally in Minsk. According to Russia's Interfax news agency, at least 50 people have been detained. Also Read: After several EU nations, UK withdraws envoy from Belarus Lukashenko who has been in power since 1994 has been accused by the Opposition of fraudulently winning the elections even as several leaders have been arrested or fled abroad.Black-clad masked police were seen hitting protesters as demonstrators came out with umbrellas on Sunday afternoon. The country has witnessed a series of protests ever since Alexander Lukashenko won the August 9 election with a landslide. Opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya who fled the country has called for "new free and transparent elections" even as senior Belarus officials have been accused of fraud and human rights abuses. Demonstrators have been demanding Lukashenko's removal for months amid large scale protests even as the EU has imposed sanctions on the country including the United States, Britain and Canada. Lukashenko had on Saturday visited jailed Opposition leaders. "I am trying to convince not only your supporters but the whole of society that one needs to look at things more broadly," the 66-year-old leader said in a video release. "The aim of the president is to hear everyone's' opinion," Lukashenko's press service said amid large scale protests against his rule in the country.

Belarus police uses water cannon, batons to break up  anti-Lukashenko protests

In the face of ever-growing anti-government protests in Belarus, the country’s Interior Ministry has permitted the use of combat weapons in the streets in response to the protesters by the police.

According to the police, at least 713 people have been detained in protests so far. The police used water cannons and batons to break protests that are demanding the resignation of incumbent Lukashenko and re-elections in the country.

Since the August 9 election which declared President Alexander Lukashenko as the winner, Belarusians have demanded reelections and have continuously protested in the streets of Minsk.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/belarus-police-uses-water-cannon-batons-to-break-up-anti-lukashenko-protests-334542" hreflang="en">Belarus police uses water cannon, batons to break up anti-Lukashenko protests</a>

Many critics claim the election was rigged, and strongman Lukashenko won by unfair means. He has been the ruler of Belarus since the country broke away from the USSR after its disintegration.

Lukashenko has denied rigging the vote. Fearing crackdown, many opposition leaders have fled the country, and many have been arrested.

"The protests, which have shifted largely to Minsk, have become organised and extremely radical," the Interior Ministry claimed in a statement.

"In this regard, the Interior Ministry's employees and internal troops will not leave the streets and, if necessary, will use special equipment and military weapons," it added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/belarus-president-alexander-lukashenko-visits-jail-to-meet-detained-rivals-reports-334351" hreflang="en">Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko visits jail to meet detained rivals: Reports</a>

Owing to the crackdown on protesters and unwillingness to conduct re-elections, countries have imposed sanctions against Belarusian officials.&nbsp;

Russia has extended support to Belarus on multiple occasions.&nbsp;

The Foreign Minister of Germany, Heiko Maas on Monday said that Lukashenko ought to be added to a list of EU sanctions which includes 40 other officials from the country.

In the face of ever-growing anti-government protests in Belarus, the country’s Interior Ministry has permitted the use of combat weapons in the streets in response to the protesters by the police.

In the face of ever-growing anti-government protests in Belarus, the country’s Interior Ministry has permitted the use of combat weapons in the streets in response to the protesters by the police. According to the police, at least 713 people have been detained in protests so far. The police used water cannons and batons to break protests that are demanding the resignation of incumbent Lukashenko and re-elections in the country. Since the August 9 election which declared President Alexander Lukashenko as the winner, Belarusians have demanded reelections and have continuously protested in the streets of Minsk. Also read: Belarus police uses water cannon, batons to break up anti-Lukashenko protests Many critics claim the election was rigged, and strongman Lukashenko won by unfair means. He has been the ruler of Belarus since the country broke away from the USSR after its disintegration. Lukashenko has denied rigging the vote. Fearing crackdown, many opposition leaders have fled the country, and many have been arrested. "The protests, which have shifted largely to Minsk, have become organised and extremely radical," the Interior Ministry claimed in a statement. "In this regard, the Interior Ministry's employees and internal troops will not leave the streets and, if necessary, will use special equipment and military weapons," it added. Also read: Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko visits jail to meet detained rivals: Reports Owing to the crackdown on protesters and unwillingness to conduct re-elections, countries have imposed sanctions against Belarusian officials. Russia has extended support to Belarus on multiple occasions. The Foreign Minister of Germany, Heiko Maas on Monday said that Lukashenko ought to be added to a list of EU sanctions which includes 40 other officials from the country.

Belarus: Government permits use of combat weapons against protesters

Belarus’ authoritarian president on October 10 visited a prison to talk to opposition activists, who have been jailed for challenging his re-election and triggered two months of protests.

Belarus President Lukashenko meets 11 jailed activists

The Belarusian President&nbsp;Alexander Lukashenko visited jail on Saturday to meet the detained opposition leaders, the local media reported.

The news broke out when a&nbsp;pro-Lukashenko channel published a picture of the leader sitting at a decorated table with eleven other people who were casually-dressed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-several-eu-nations-uk-withdraws-envoy-from-belarus-334278">Also read:&nbsp;After several EU nations, UK withdraws envoy from Belarus</a>

Viktor Babariko,&nbsp;Lukashenko's rival, was also spotted sitting to the left of the President in this picture. It has been reported that Babariko was barred from running for the post of the President in the elections that took place in August. He was also allegedly detained, along with his son, in July.

While the picture surfaced on social media and local news channels, Babariko's spokesman, Gleb German, said he couldn't confirm the picture, even though it looked genuine.&nbsp;"Everyone is processing this information now," he said.

Others in the picture include Liliya Vlasova, a lawyer who is a member of the opposition's Coordination Council set up to ensure a peaceful transfer of power, and Vitali Shkliarov, a Belarusian-US strategist who worked on US Senator Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign and advised the Russian opposition.

The table was decorated with flowers, and everyone had a name card in front of them — except the President.&nbsp;The only woman seen at the table was a member of opposition coordination council, lawyer Lilia Vlasova, who was detained in late August.

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"I am trying to convince not only your supporters but the whole of society that one needs to look at things more broadly," he said in a video snippet.&nbsp;

The visit has come months after the country has been observing continuous protests against the President for allegedly rigging the elections to take a free win for his sixth term in the office.

As per the local media reports, the President discussed about proposed changes in the country's constitution.&nbsp;"The constitution can`t be written in the street," Belta&nbsp;quoted the president as saying.

However, this picture has still not been confirmed to be authentic by the international agencies or the government and their rivals.

The Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko visited jail on Saturday to meet the detained opposition leaders, the local media reported. The news broke out when a pro-Lukashenko channel published a picture of the leader sitting at a decorated table with eleven other people who were casually-dressed.

The Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko visited jail on Saturday to meet the detained opposition leaders, the local media reported. The news broke out when a pro-Lukashenko channel published a picture of the leader sitting at a decorated table with eleven other people who were casually-dressed. Also read: After several EU nations, UK withdraws envoy from Belarus Viktor Babariko, Lukashenko's rival, was also spotted sitting to the left of the President in this picture. It has been reported that Babariko was barred from running for the post of the President in the elections that took place in August. He was also allegedly detained, along with his son, in July. While the picture surfaced on social media and local news channels, Babariko's spokesman, Gleb German, said he couldn't confirm the picture, even though it looked genuine. "Everyone is processing this information now," he said. Others in the picture include Liliya Vlasova, a lawyer who is a member of the opposition's Coordination Council set up to ensure a peaceful transfer of power, and Vitali Shkliarov, a Belarusian-US strategist who worked on US Senator Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign and advised the Russian opposition. The table was decorated with flowers, and everyone had a name card in front of them — except the President. The only woman seen at the table was a member of opposition coordination council, lawyer Lilia Vlasova, who was detained in late August. × "I am trying to convince not only your supporters but the whole of society that one needs to look at things more broadly," he said in a video snippet. The visit has come months after the country has been observing continuous protests against the President for allegedly rigging the elections to take a free win for his sixth term in the office. As per the local media reports, the President discussed about proposed changes in the country's constitution. "The constitution can`t be written in the street," Belta quoted the president as saying. However, this picture has still not been confirmed to be authentic by the international agencies or the government and their rivals.

Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko visits jail to meet detained rivals: Reports

Amid street protests in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-opposition-leader-says-trial-for-lukashenko-subject-to-negotiation-333612">Belarus</a>, Britain on Saturday withdrew its ambassador as President Lukashenko expelled diplomats from Poland and Lithuania.

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"UK condemns Belarus' decision to expel Polish and Lithuanian diplomats. Completely unjustified and will only isolate the Belarusian people. In solidarity, we are temporarily recalling our ambassador for consultations on the situation in Belarus," UK foreign secretary Dominic Raab said.

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🇬🇧 condemns Belarus’ decision to expel Polish &amp; Lithuanian diplomats. Completely unjustified and will only isolate the Belarusian people. In solidarity, we are temporarily recalling our Ambassador for consultations on the situation in Belarus
— Dominic Raab (@DominicRaab) <a href="https://twitter.com/DominicRaab/status/1314652079143649281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Lukashenko's government had accused ambassadors of Lithuania and Poland of backing the protests which had erupted over disputed election results on August 9.

European nations Latvia, Estonia, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Romania have already withdrawn their ambassadors from Belarus. Britain and Canada had earlier imposed sanctions on Lukashenko, his son and senior government officials over alleged human rights violations.

Slovak foreign minister Ivan Korcok said: "I have decided to recall our Head of Mission in #Minsk for consultations to Slovakia as (an) expression of solidarity with Lithuania and Poland."

"Steps taken by Belarus authorities against other EU member states are unacceptable. EU remains united in its support of (the) people of Belarus," Korcok added as Bulgaria's foreign ministry said it was pulling out its ambassadors to &nbsp;"in a show of solidarity" with Lithuania and Poland.&nbsp;

Bulgaria also called for free and fair elections in Belarus while urging the government to open dialogue with the Opposition.

The Belarus government had earlier urged Lithuania and Poland to reduce the number of diplomats amid protests in the country while calling for "the immediate and unconditional release of all the (jailed) political prisoners in Belarus."

Lukashenko has reportedly jailed several Opposition leaders and arrested thousands and later freed them. However, it has denied abusing detainees.

Amid street protests in Belarus, Britain on Saturday withdrew its ambassador as President Lukashenko expelled diplomats from Poland and Lithuania. Watch: "UK condemns Belarus' decision to expel Polish and Lithuanian diplomats.

Amid street protests in Belarus, Britain on Saturday withdrew its ambassador as President Lukashenko expelled diplomats from Poland and Lithuania. Watch: "UK condemns Belarus' decision to expel Polish and Lithuanian diplomats. Completely unjustified and will only isolate the Belarusian people. In solidarity, we are temporarily recalling our ambassador for consultations on the situation in Belarus," UK foreign secretary Dominic Raab said. 🇬🇧 condemns Belarus’ decision to expel Polish & Lithuanian diplomats. Completely unjustified and will only isolate the Belarusian people. In solidarity, we are temporarily recalling our Ambassador for consultations on the situation in Belarus — Dominic Raab (@DominicRaab) October 9, 2020 × Lukashenko's government had accused ambassadors of Lithuania and Poland of backing the protests which had erupted over disputed election results on August 9. European nations Latvia, Estonia, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Romania have already withdrawn their ambassadors from Belarus. Britain and Canada had earlier imposed sanctions on Lukashenko, his son and senior government officials over alleged human rights violations. Slovak foreign minister Ivan Korcok said: "I have decided to recall our Head of Mission in #Minsk for consultations to Slovakia as (an) expression of solidarity with Lithuania and Poland." "Steps taken by Belarus authorities against other EU member states are unacceptable. EU remains united in its support of (the) people of Belarus," Korcok added as Bulgaria's foreign ministry said it was pulling out its ambassadors to "in a show of solidarity" with Lithuania and Poland. Bulgaria also called for free and fair elections in Belarus while urging the government to open dialogue with the Opposition. The Belarus government had earlier urged Lithuania and Poland to reduce the number of diplomats amid protests in the country while calling for "the immediate and unconditional release of all the (jailed) political prisoners in Belarus." Lukashenko has reportedly jailed several Opposition leaders and arrested thousands and later freed them. However, it has denied abusing detainees.

After several EU nations, UK withdraws envoy from Belarus

Belarus' opposition leader&nbsp;Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has claimed that the possibility of the Belarus leader&nbsp;Alexander Lukashenko getting immunity instead of facing international trial is subject to&nbsp;negotiation to defuse the crisis in her country.

Tsikhanouskaya has said she is considering filing a lawsuit against the ruler&nbsp;in the Intternational Criminal Court due to the inhumane treatment of the protestors in the country.

She also said that she while she understands the charges can be subject to negotiation, she would personally never forgive his "atrocities" on the protestors.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-belarus-falls-russia-will-be-next-says-lukashenko-326093">Also read: If Belarus falls, Russia will be next, says Lukashenko</a>

The country had been observing protests and demonstrations against the Belarusian leader for the past few months now.

If it is the way out, for him to go somewhere to the seaside and spend his time there, I think it could be done," she told the Globsec Bratislava Forum in the Slovak capital.

"Just leave us and we will build our country further. And that is it," said Tsikhanouskaya, who fled to Lithuania shortly after the disputed vote.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;the Belarusian government has denied abusing detainees or participating in any electoral fraud.

As per local media reports, more than 13,000 people have been arrested in the past two months for protesting against the leader.

Belarus' opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has claimed that the possibility of the Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko getting immunity instead of facing international trial is subject to negotiation to defuse the crisis in her country.

Belarus' opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has claimed that the possibility of the Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko getting immunity instead of facing international trial is subject to negotiation to defuse the crisis in her country. Tsikhanouskaya has said she is considering filing a lawsuit against the ruler in the Intternational Criminal Court due to the inhumane treatment of the protestors in the country. She also said that she while she understands the charges can be subject to negotiation, she would personally never forgive his "atrocities" on the protestors. Also read: If Belarus falls, Russia will be next, says Lukashenko The country had been observing protests and demonstrations against the Belarusian leader for the past few months now. If it is the way out, for him to go somewhere to the seaside and spend his time there, I think it could be done," she told the Globsec Bratislava Forum in the Slovak capital. "Just leave us and we will build our country further. And that is it," said Tsikhanouskaya, who fled to Lithuania shortly after the disputed vote. Meanwhile, the Belarusian government has denied abusing detainees or participating in any electoral fraud. As per local media reports, more than 13,000 people have been arrested in the past two months for protesting against the leader.

Belarus opposition leader says trial for Lukashenko subject to negotiation

YEREVAN, Armenia — In Russia’s self-proclaimed sphere of influence, Russia is losing its influence.

Concurrent crises in Belarus, Central Asia and the Caucasus region have blindsided the Kremlin, leaving it scrambling to shore up Russian interests in former Soviet republics and undermining President Vladimir Putin’s image as a master tactician on the world stage.

“There is nothing good about these conflicts for Moscow,” Konstantin Zatulin, a senior Russian lawmaker and Putin ally who specializes in relations with what Russians call their “near abroad.”

Putin has spent years building up Russia as a global power, with a hand in hot spots from Latin America to the Middle East, and even meddling in presidential elections in the United States. But after working for years to destabilize the West, he suddenly finds himself surrounded by instability; once seen as sure-handed in foreign affairs, he seems to have lost his touch.

In Belarus, Putin responded to a street uprising in August by propping up the country’s unpopular autocrat, President Alexander Lukashenko, turning public opinion against Russia in what had previously been Europe’s most Russia-friendly country.

In Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia, protesters this week appeared on the verge of toppling President Sooronbai Jeenbekov, less than two weeks after Putin pledged to him in a rare in-person meeting that “we will do everything to support you as the head of state.”

And in the Caucasus, the long-simmering conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh erupted last week into the worst fighting since the 1990s, threatening to undo the balancing act that had allowed Russia to cultivate diverse links to the region.

“Russia was doing all it could to maintain ties both with Azerbaijan and Armenia,” Zatulin said. “Every day of conflict in Karabakh is, effectively, helping zero out Russia’s authority.”

The spate of new challenges to Russian influence strikes at the heart of Putin’s yearslong effort to cast himself as the leader who restored the great-power status that the nation lost with the collapse of the Soviet Union. Even as the Kremlin denied Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Russian state television gleefully reported on the American allegations of that interference as a sign that Moscow was being reckoned with again on the world stage.

Now, rather than react decisively to emergencies close to home, Putin sounds ambivalent about Russia’s role.

“We hope the conflict will end very soon,” he said of Nagorno-Karabakh, in a television interview broadcast Wednesday. Minutes later, referring to Kyrgyzstan, he said, “We hope that everything will be peaceful.”

The confluence of crises in Russia’s own neighborhood is such that some pro-Kremlin commentators are already accusing the West of an organized campaign to sow discord in the post-Soviet regions.

More balanced analysts, however, have singled out one constant factor in the growing unrest. Both Russia and its neighbors, they say, have been destabilized by the coronavirus pandemic, which has exposed distrust in institutions and in out-of-touch leaders across the region.

It helped undo the fragile truce between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and in Belarus and in Kyrgyzstan, the disease set the stage for public uprisings by exposing the ruling elite as disconnected from people’s suffering.

Lukashenko angered Belarusians by playing down the danger of the virus, joking that vodka would cure it; in Kyrgyzstan, critics blamed officials for using coronavirus aid money to enrich themselves.

Within Russia, the economic hardship caused by the pandemic has helped deepen public anger against Putin. In the Far Eastern city of Khabarovsk, for example, thousands of protesters angry over the arrest of a popular governor spilled into the streets last Saturday for the 13th week in a row.

Some analysts say that public discontent within Russia means that Putin needs to turn more of his focus to domestic issues such as economy hardship, pollution and poor health care, rather than delving into global geopolitics. But developments in recent weeks have given Putin more reason to focus on the latter.

“For Putin, practically his entire mission and his vision of Russian greatness and success revolve around his foreign-policy agenda,” said Tatiana Stanovaya, a nonresident scholar at the Carnegie Moscow Center, a research organization focused on politics and policy. The new series of crises, she went on, “will very much distract Putin from domestic problems.”

The centrality of the former Soviet lands to Putin’s foreign policy was evident in the Kremlin’s list of world leaders who called Putin to wish him a happy birthday on Wednesday, when he turned 68. Of the 12 who called, only three leaders — those of Israel, India and Cuba — head countries outside the former Soviet Union.

In Armenia, which hosts a Russian military base, some hope for a more forceful stance by Russia in the conflict, which has already killed at least 250 people, according to official reports. But Russia’s ability to influence events in the Caucasus now appears limited, despite its past role as a mediator in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Turkey, Azerbaijan’s most important ally, has taken on a more assertive regional stance.

“Turkey, indeed, in this current situation probably should be considered as a balance to unilateral Russian interference,” said Farid Shafiyev, chairman of the Center of Analysis of International Relations in the Azerbaijani capital, Baku. In the Caucasus, he added, “the Russian role is probably diminishing.”

Across the former Soviet Union, Russian remains the lingua franca, and the proliferation of mostly uncensored internet access across the region means that protests in one country can easily inspire a disenchanted populace in another.

Some protesters in Belarus carried signs supporting the demonstrations in Khabarovsk, over 4,000 miles away. And ahead of Kyrgyzstan’s parliamentary elections last Sunday, government critics were keeping an eye on Belarus, where it was a blatantly falsified election in August that sparked the uprising against Lukashenko.

 
“In Kyrgyzstan it was often said that we will copy the Belarusians,” said Aybek Sultangaziyev, director of a news agency in Kyrgyzstan, K-News. “In fact, we surpassed the Belarusians in effectiveness and precision.”

Sultangaziyev said that if his country’s uprising succeeds, the new leadership will seek to maintain close ties with Moscow. In Armenia, too, the government of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan retained its alliance with Russia after the prime minister came to power in a popular uprising in 2018.

“We have never been pro-Western or pro-Eastern,” said Ruben Rubinyan, head of the foreign affairs committee in the Armenian Parliament. “Russia has been and is an ally of Armenia, a very important ally.”

 
But, for Moscow, recent events in Belarus offer a cautionary tale that illustrates the fragility of Russia’s standing among its neighbors — carrying echoes of Ukraine’s more violent departure from Russia’s orbit in 2014. Some Belarusians who had been well disposed toward Putin turned against him after he propped up Lukashenko in the face of the protests.

Zatulin, the Russian lawmaker, said officials “at the highest levels of the Russian Federation” believed that Lukashenko would need to step down “sooner or later.” But Lukashenko had argued to Russian officials, Zatulin said, that his stepping down in the face of street protests could set a dangerous precedent for what might happen to Putin himself.

“By unconditionally supporting Lukashenko, we are creating an enormous problem for ourselves in the future with the majority or a significant part of the Belarusian population,” Zatulin said. “We are creating a problem for ourselves with the other Belarusian politicians and public figures, who are increasingly forced to seek sympathy in the West. Russia wants that least of all.”

YEREVAN, Armenia — In Russia’s self-proclaimed sphere of influence, Russia is losing its influence. Concurrent crises in Belarus, Central Asia and the Caucasus region have blindsided the Kremlin, leaving it scrambling to shore up Russian interests in former Soviet republics and undermining President Vladimir Putin’s image as a master tactician on the world stage.

YEREVAN, Armenia — In Russia’s self-proclaimed sphere of influence, Russia is losing its influence. Concurrent crises in Belarus, Central Asia and the Caucasus region have blindsided the Kremlin, leaving it scrambling to shore up Russian interests in former Soviet republics and undermining President Vladimir Putin’s image as a master tactician on the world stage. “There is nothing good about these conflicts for Moscow,” Konstantin Zatulin, a senior Russian lawmaker and Putin ally who specializes in relations with what Russians call their “near abroad.” Putin has spent years building up Russia as a global power, with a hand in hot spots from Latin America to the Middle East, and even meddling in presidential elections in the United States. But after working for years to destabilize the West, he suddenly finds himself surrounded by instability; once seen as sure-handed in foreign affairs, he seems to have lost his touch. In Belarus, Putin responded to a street uprising in August by propping up the country’s unpopular autocrat, President Alexander Lukashenko, turning public opinion against Russia in what had previously been Europe’s most Russia-friendly country. In Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia, protesters this week appeared on the verge of toppling President Sooronbai Jeenbekov, less than two weeks after Putin pledged to him in a rare in-person meeting that “we will do everything to support you as the head of state.” And in the Caucasus, the long-simmering conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh erupted last week into the worst fighting since the 1990s, threatening to undo the balancing act that had allowed Russia to cultivate diverse links to the region. “Russia was doing all it could to maintain ties both with Azerbaijan and Armenia,” Zatulin said. “Every day of conflict in Karabakh is, effectively, helping zero out Russia’s authority.” The spate of new challenges to Russian influence strikes at the heart of Putin’s yearslong effort to cast himself as the leader who restored the great-power status that the nation lost with the collapse of the Soviet Union. Even as the Kremlin denied Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Russian state television gleefully reported on the American allegations of that interference as a sign that Moscow was being reckoned with again on the world stage. Now, rather than react decisively to emergencies close to home, Putin sounds ambivalent about Russia’s role. “We hope the conflict will end very soon,” he said of Nagorno-Karabakh, in a television interview broadcast Wednesday. Minutes later, referring to Kyrgyzstan, he said, “We hope that everything will be peaceful.” The confluence of crises in Russia’s own neighborhood is such that some pro-Kremlin commentators are already accusing the West of an organized campaign to sow discord in the post-Soviet regions. More balanced analysts, however, have singled out one constant factor in the growing unrest. Both Russia and its neighbors, they say, have been destabilized by the coronavirus pandemic, which has exposed distrust in institutions and in out-of-touch leaders across the region. It helped undo the fragile truce between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and in Belarus and in Kyrgyzstan, the disease set the stage for public uprisings by exposing the ruling elite as disconnected from people’s suffering. Lukashenko angered Belarusians by playing down the danger of the virus, joking that vodka would cure it; in Kyrgyzstan, critics blamed officials for using coronavirus aid money to enrich themselves. Within Russia, the economic hardship caused by the pandemic has helped deepen public anger against Putin. In the Far Eastern city of Khabarovsk, for example, thousands of protesters angry over the arrest of a popular governor spilled into the streets last Saturday for the 13th week in a row. Some analysts say that public discontent within Russia means that Putin needs to turn more of his focus to domestic issues such as economy hardship, pollution and poor health care, rather than delving into global geopolitics. But developments in recent weeks have given Putin more reason to focus on the latter. “For Putin, practically his entire mission and his vision of Russian greatness and success revolve around his foreign-policy agenda,” said Tatiana Stanovaya, a nonresident scholar at the Carnegie Moscow Center, a research organization focused on politics and policy. The new series of crises, she went on, “will very much distract Putin from domestic problems.” The centrality of the former Soviet lands to Putin’s foreign policy was evident in the Kremlin’s list of world leaders who called Putin to wish him a happy birthday on Wednesday, when he turned 68. Of the 12 who called, only three leaders — those of Israel, India and Cuba — head countries outside the former Soviet Union. In Armenia, which hosts a Russian military base, some hope for a more forceful stance by Russia in the conflict, which has already killed at least 250 people, according to official reports. But Russia’s ability to influence events in the Caucasus now appears limited, despite its past role as a mediator in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Turkey, Azerbaijan’s most important ally, has taken on a more assertive regional stance. “Turkey, indeed, in this current situation probably should be considered as a balance to unilateral Russian interference,” said Farid Shafiyev, chairman of the Center of Analysis of International Relations in the Azerbaijani capital, Baku. In the Caucasus, he added, “the Russian role is probably diminishing.” Across the former Soviet Union, Russian remains the lingua franca, and the proliferation of mostly uncensored internet access across the region means that protests in one country can easily inspire a disenchanted populace in another. Some protesters in Belarus carried signs supporting the demonstrations in Khabarovsk, over 4,000 miles away. And ahead of Kyrgyzstan’s parliamentary elections last Sunday, government critics were keeping an eye on Belarus, where it was a blatantly falsified election in August that sparked the uprising against Lukashenko. “In Kyrgyzstan it was often said that we will copy the Belarusians,” said Aybek Sultangaziyev, director of a news agency in Kyrgyzstan, K-News. “In fact, we surpassed the Belarusians in effectiveness and precision.” Sultangaziyev said that if his country’s uprising succeeds, the new leadership will seek to maintain close ties with Moscow. In Armenia, too, the government of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan retained its alliance with Russia after the prime minister came to power in a popular uprising in 2018. “We have never been pro-Western or pro-Eastern,” said Ruben Rubinyan, head of the foreign affairs committee in the Armenian Parliament. “Russia has been and is an ally of Armenia, a very important ally.” But, for Moscow, recent events in Belarus offer a cautionary tale that illustrates the fragility of Russia’s standing among its neighbors — carrying echoes of Ukraine’s more violent departure from Russia’s orbit in 2014. Some Belarusians who had been well disposed toward Putin turned against him after he propped up Lukashenko in the face of the protests. Zatulin, the Russian lawmaker, said officials “at the highest levels of the Russian Federation” believed that Lukashenko would need to step down “sooner or later.” But Lukashenko had argued to Russian officials, Zatulin said, that his stepping down in the face of street protests could set a dangerous precedent for what might happen to Putin himself. “By unconditionally supporting Lukashenko, we are creating an enormous problem for ourselves in the future with the majority or a significant part of the Belarusian population,” Zatulin said. “We are creating a problem for ourselves with the other Belarusian politicians and public figures, who are increasingly forced to seek sympathy in the West. Russia wants that least of all.”

Putin, long the sower of instability, is now surrounded by it

Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has been placed on Russia's wanted list. According to Russia, Tsikhanouskaya is wanted on criminal charges against her.

Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya on Russia's wanted list

With mounting pressure on the country, the protesters again took to the streets demanding the resignation of President Alexander Lukashenko. Watch report.

Protesters take to the streets in Belarus | Demanding Alexander Lukashenko's resignation

Belarus police used water cannon against demonstrators over disputed election with several people detained.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-canada-impose-sanctions-on-belarus-president-alexander-lukashenko-331194">Read:&nbsp;UK, Canada impose sanctions on Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko</a>

Reports said protesters were not just detained in capital Minsk but in other places as well including Vitebsk and Gomel as police termed it an illegal gathering.

Watch:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eu-summit-opens-doors-to-sanctions-in-belarus-332002/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The clashes come after the United States imposed sanctions on eight Belarusian officials as street protests continue posing the biggest challenge to Lukashenko's 26-year rule.

Amid the crisis, Lukashenko spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin as the Kremlin said: "the problems that have arisen will soon be resolved".

Belarus foreign ministry spokesman Anatoly Glaz said, "We are imposing visa sanctions against the most biased representatives of European institutions, including the European Parliament and the states - EU members," after EU sanctions were announced.

The foreign ministry has also withdrawn the accreditation of all foreign journalists in the country as the situation in the country continues to deteriorate although it claimed that it was not trying to "cleanse" the news reporting field.

At least 13,000 people have been arrested so far amid protests with several Opposition leaders either jailed or exiled even as &nbsp;Lukashenko accused Western countries of supporting protesters and trying to destabilise the country.

Belarus police used water cannon against demonstrators over disputed election with several people detained. Read: UK, Canada impose sanctions on Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko Reports said protesters were not just detained in capital Minsk but in other places as well including Vitebsk and Gomel as police termed it an illegal gathering.

Belarus police used water cannon against demonstrators over disputed election with several people detained. Read: UK, Canada impose sanctions on Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko Reports said protesters were not just detained in capital Minsk but in other places as well including Vitebsk and Gomel as police termed it an illegal gathering. Watch: The clashes come after the United States imposed sanctions on eight Belarusian officials as street protests continue posing the biggest challenge to Lukashenko's 26-year rule. Amid the crisis, Lukashenko spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin as the Kremlin said: "the problems that have arisen will soon be resolved". Belarus foreign ministry spokesman Anatoly Glaz said, "We are imposing visa sanctions against the most biased representatives of European institutions, including the European Parliament and the states - EU members," after EU sanctions were announced. The foreign ministry has also withdrawn the accreditation of all foreign journalists in the country as the situation in the country continues to deteriorate although it claimed that it was not trying to "cleanse" the news reporting field. At least 13,000 people have been arrested so far amid protests with several Opposition leaders either jailed or exiled even as Lukashenko accused Western countries of supporting protesters and trying to destabilise the country.

Belarus police use water cannon in Minsk amid anti-Lukashenko protests

European Union leaders have finally agreed to impose sanctions on about 40 individuals in Belarus.

They came to a decision on Friday after Cyprus dropped its opposition over demands that the bloc also punish Turkey for tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean.

"We had a double strategy," European Council President Charles Michel told a news conference after the first day of a summit that went past midnight.

"We state that we want to give political dialogue a chance. On the other hand we express our firmness on our values and support for Greece and Cyprus. We are ready to engage in a more positive agenda with Turkey provided that Turkey wants to engage in a more positive agenda with us."&nbsp;

EU chief Charles Michel, however, confirmed that Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko was himself not among the figures targetted on a new sanctions list.

"No Lukashenko is not on the current list, but of course we will follow the situation, we will follow developments," the president of the European Council said after meeting EU leaders.

 
The deal on sanctions against about 40 officials accused of rigging August's presidential election in Belarus means the EU can make good on a promise to support pro-democracy protesters in Minsk and regain some credibility after weeks of delays.

To this end, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said EU sanctions on Belarus sent an important signal to those who stand in the way of democracy.

"We can say today that the sanctions against the actors in Belarus will come into force," she told reporters at the summit. "The European Union is taking action against those who stand in the way of democracy. I think that is an important signal."

Turning to Turkey and tensions with Cyprus over energy exploration in the eastern Mediterranean, Merkel urged Ankara to continue along the path of de-escalating tensions.

"We hope that out of this we will again have a negotiating dynamic with Turkey, both regarding bilateral issues with Greece and Cyprus and regarding European Union issues with Turkey," she said.

Cyprus, one of the EU's smallest countries, had blocked the action against Belarus for a month, insisting that sanctions also be imposed on its neighbour Turkey for oil and gas exploration along the coast of the Mediterranean island.

Germany pushed back against a tough stand on Turkey, fearing it would disrupt efforts to cool tensions with EU member Greece.

Turkey, both a candidate to join the EU and a member of NATO, has slid towards authoritarianism under President Tayyip Erdogan but remains a strategically located partner that the EU cannot ignore.

In a sign that the diplomatic stand-off is easing at least between Athens and Ankara, NATO announced on Thursday that the two alliance members had set up a "military de-confliction mechanism" to avoid accidental clashes at sea.

The compromise struck at the summit that satisfied Cyprus was an agreement to review Turkey's behaviour in December and impose sanctions then if its "provocations" have not stopped.

(with inputs from agencies)

European Union leaders have finally agreed to impose sanctions on about 40 individuals in Belarus. They came to a decision on Friday after Cyprus dropped its opposition over demands that the bloc also punish Turkey for tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean.

European Union leaders have finally agreed to impose sanctions on about 40 individuals in Belarus. They came to a decision on Friday after Cyprus dropped its opposition over demands that the bloc also punish Turkey for tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean. "We had a double strategy," European Council President Charles Michel told a news conference after the first day of a summit that went past midnight. "We state that we want to give political dialogue a chance. On the other hand we express our firmness on our values and support for Greece and Cyprus. We are ready to engage in a more positive agenda with Turkey provided that Turkey wants to engage in a more positive agenda with us." EU chief Charles Michel, however, confirmed that Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko was himself not among the figures targetted on a new sanctions list. "No Lukashenko is not on the current list, but of course we will follow the situation, we will follow developments," the president of the European Council said after meeting EU leaders. The deal on sanctions against about 40 officials accused of rigging August's presidential election in Belarus means the EU can make good on a promise to support pro-democracy protesters in Minsk and regain some credibility after weeks of delays. To this end, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said EU sanctions on Belarus sent an important signal to those who stand in the way of democracy. "We can say today that the sanctions against the actors in Belarus will come into force," she told reporters at the summit. "The European Union is taking action against those who stand in the way of democracy. I think that is an important signal." Turning to Turkey and tensions with Cyprus over energy exploration in the eastern Mediterranean, Merkel urged Ankara to continue along the path of de-escalating tensions. "We hope that out of this we will again have a negotiating dynamic with Turkey, both regarding bilateral issues with Greece and Cyprus and regarding European Union issues with Turkey," she said. Cyprus, one of the EU's smallest countries, had blocked the action against Belarus for a month, insisting that sanctions also be imposed on its neighbour Turkey for oil and gas exploration along the coast of the Mediterranean island. Germany pushed back against a tough stand on Turkey, fearing it would disrupt efforts to cool tensions with EU member Greece. Turkey, both a candidate to join the EU and a member of NATO, has slid towards authoritarianism under President Tayyip Erdogan but remains a strategically located partner that the EU cannot ignore. In a sign that the diplomatic stand-off is easing at least between Athens and Ankara, NATO announced on Thursday that the two alliance members had set up a "military de-confliction mechanism" to avoid accidental clashes at sea. The compromise struck at the summit that satisfied Cyprus was an agreement to review Turkey's behaviour in December and impose sanctions then if its "provocations" have not stopped. (with inputs from agencies)

EU imposes sanctions on Belarus; Lukashenko not on the list

European Union leaders have finally agreed to impose sanctions on about 40 individuals in Belarus.

EU summit opens doors to sanctions in Belarus

Belarus has, in retaliation against sanctions imposed by the EU, announced a list of sanctions it intends to press against the union.

The country's foreign ministry said on Friday it had compiled a list of people barred from entering Belarus, adding it would not be made public.

The European Union (EU) leaders broke a diplomatic deadlock earlier on Friday and imposed sanctions on Belarus after hours of summit talks.

They arrived on a decision after Cyprus dropped its opposition over demands that the bloc also punish Turkey for tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean.

EU chief Charles Michel, however, confirmed that Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko was himself not among the figures targetted on a new sanctions list.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-imposes-sanctions-on-belarus-lukashenko-not-on-the-list-331862">Also read |&nbsp;EU imposes sanctions on Belarus; Lukashenko not on the list</a>

"No Lukashenko is not on the current list, but of course we will follow the situation, we will follow developments," the president of the European Council said after meeting EU leaders.

The deal on sanctions against about 40 officials accused of rigging August's presidential election in Belarus means the EU can make good on a promise to support pro-democracy protesters in Minsk and regain some credibility after weeks of delays.

Cyprus, one of the EU's smallest countries, had blocked the action against Belarus for a month, insisting that sanctions also be imposed on its neighbour Turkey for oil and gas exploration along the coast of the Mediterranean island.

Germany pushed back against a tough stand on Turkey, fearing it would disrupt efforts to cool tensions with EU member Greece.

Turkey, both a candidate to join the EU and a member of NATO, has slid towards authoritarianism under President Tayyip Erdogan but remains a strategically located partner that the EU cannot ignore.

(with inputs from agencies)

Belarus has, in retaliation against sanctions imposed by the EU, announced a list of sanctions it intends to press against the union. The country's foreign ministry said on Friday it had compiled a list of people barred from entering Belarus, adding it would not be made public.

Belarus has, in retaliation against sanctions imposed by the EU, announced a list of sanctions it intends to press against the union. The country's foreign ministry said on Friday it had compiled a list of people barred from entering Belarus, adding it would not be made public. The European Union (EU) leaders broke a diplomatic deadlock earlier on Friday and imposed sanctions on Belarus after hours of summit talks. They arrived on a decision after Cyprus dropped its opposition over demands that the bloc also punish Turkey for tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean. EU chief Charles Michel, however, confirmed that Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko was himself not among the figures targetted on a new sanctions list. Also read | EU imposes sanctions on Belarus; Lukashenko not on the list "No Lukashenko is not on the current list, but of course we will follow the situation, we will follow developments," the president of the European Council said after meeting EU leaders. The deal on sanctions against about 40 officials accused of rigging August's presidential election in Belarus means the EU can make good on a promise to support pro-democracy protesters in Minsk and regain some credibility after weeks of delays. Cyprus, one of the EU's smallest countries, had blocked the action against Belarus for a month, insisting that sanctions also be imposed on its neighbour Turkey for oil and gas exploration along the coast of the Mediterranean island. Germany pushed back against a tough stand on Turkey, fearing it would disrupt efforts to cool tensions with EU member Greece. Turkey, both a candidate to join the EU and a member of NATO, has slid towards authoritarianism under President Tayyip Erdogan but remains a strategically located partner that the EU cannot ignore. (with inputs from agencies)

Belarus announces sanctions list in retaliation against EU

French President Emmanuel Macron became on Tuesday the highest-profile Western leader to visit the exiled opposition leader of Belarus, pledging European support for the country's people.

Macron meets Belarus opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya

French President Emmanuel Macron has intervened in the political crisis of Belarus by meeting opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya. Watch the report.

Wion Dispatch: Macron meets Belarus opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya

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