Belarus leader Lukashenko disparages protests as US plan Belarus’ authoritarian leader is seeking to disparage protesters demanding his resignation for a sixth straight week after a disputed election by accusing the United States of fomenting the unrestMOSCOW -- Belarus' authoritarian leader on Wednesday sought to disparage protesters demanding his resignation for a sixth straight week following a disputed election by accusing the United States of fomenting the unrest. Lukashenko didn't provide evidence to back his claim that the U.S. had any involvement in the demonstrations. “There is just one reason behind the protests in Belarus and it's known to everyone: Lukashenko has lost the vote, but he doesn’t want to step down,” Tsikhanouskaya told The Associated Press in a written comment. “We had the vote and got the result, period,” Lukashenko said in Wednesday's speech before top officials. In a bid to rally Moscow's support, Lukashenko has cast the protests as part of a Western plot to isolate Russia.

Source: ABC News September 16, 2020 14:55 UTC