Belarusian leader orders police to quash protests, EU prepares sanctions

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko ordered his police on Wednesday to put down protests in the capital Minsk, signalling an escalation after a week and a half of mass demonstrations against his rule.

Lukashenko’s order came as European Union leaders held an emergency summit over the political crisis in Belarus, long Russia’s most loyal neighbour, which has heavily militarised borders with EU member states Poland and Lithuania.

EU leaders were expected to endorse sanctions on Belarusian officials they blame for election fraud following a disputed Aug. 9 election that the opposition said it won.

“There should no longer be any disorder in Minsk of any kind,” Lukashenko said in remarks reported by the official Belta news agency. “People are tired. People demand peace and quiet.”

Facing the biggest challenge of his 26-year rule, he ordered border controls to be tightened to prevent an influx of “fighters and arms”. Workers at state media who quit in protest against government policies will not be rehired, he said.

Lukashenko, 65, also ordered intelligence agencies to continue searching for organisers of the street protests, Belta reported.

The EU leaders are treading a fine diplomatic line, trying to support democratic forces in Belarus without provoking Moscow’s wrath.

“Violence has to stop and a peaceful and inclusive dialogue has to be launched. The leadership of #Belarus must reflect the will of the people,” Charles Michel, the EU summit chairman, wrote in a tweet announcing the start of a video meeting.
REUTERS, 19TH 
AUGUST, 2020