see url:
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/08/defiant-belarus-leader-fresh-polls-rival-protests-200816132145896.html
see url: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colour_revolution Another velvet
revolution developing....:-\
Quote<<<
Belarusian leader rejects calls to step down as tens of thousands rally
for largest protest yet against disputed vote.
Tens of thousands of opposition protesters have rallied in Belarus's
capital for the biggest demonstrations yet against the disputed
re-election of President Alexander Lukashenko, even as the leader
rejected calls to step down and hold fresh polls.
In a defiant speech at a smaller rally of his own supporters in Minsk's
Independence Square, Lukashenko said Belarus would "die as a state if it
agreed to hold new elections under pressure" and accused NATO of massing
on his country's western border.
"I called you here not to defend me ... but for the first time in a
quarter-century, to defend your country and its independence," said the
65-year-old leader.
Belarus has been rocked by a week of street protests after protesters
accused Lukashenko of rigging a presidential election last Sunday in
which he claimed to have secured 80 percent of the votes.
Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus for the last 26 years and is facing
the greatest challenge to his leadership, denies the allegation.
Tens of thousands of Belarusian opposition supporters gathered in Minsk
in the morning to join a 'March for Freedom' over President Alexander
Lukashenko's disputed re-election [AFP]
"I am not a fan of rallies but alas, it's not my fault I had to call you
to help me," he said as some 5,000 supporters waved national flags and
shouted: "Thank you!" and "Belarus!"
Wiping his brow, the president, standing at a podium in a short-sleeved
shirt, insisted on the legitimacy of his election victory over popular
opposition candidate, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya.
"The elections were valid. There could not be more than 80 percent of
votes falsified. We will not hand over the country," he said.
He warned of a threat from neighbouring NATO countries as well as from
the opposition movement calling for new elections, as the crowd shouted
"No!"
>>>End of Quote
