Lukashenka Denies Rumors Of Serious Illness

Lukashenka, known as an active sportsman, on March 3 (official site) March 29, 2007 -- Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka has publicly denied rumors he is suffering from a serious illness.

He told reporters during a March 28 tour of suburbs in the capital, Minsk, "there's nothing wrong with me, I am working at my normal pace."

Lukashenka in recent days had reduced his traditional dominant presence on the state-controlled media, sparking talk among opponents and average Belarusians alike that he had suffered a serious health setback.

(dpa)