Canada, along with the United States and United Kingdom, has condemned the inauguration of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and is seeking to hold his government accountable by preparing sanctions on individuals allegedly involved in human rights violations. François-Philippe Champagne, minister of foreign affairs, said, "Canada considers that Alexander Lukashenko lacks the legitimacy to be the leader of Belarus." "Such gestures only show Lukashenko's disregard for basic democratic principles and the fundamental human rights of the people of Belarus," he said. Minister of Foreign Affairs François-Philippe Champagne said in a statement Thursday that Canada considers that Lukashenko 'lacks the legitimacy to be the leader of Belarus.' He belongs on the EU sanctions list.

Source: CBC News September 24, 2020 14:42 UTC