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Belarus President: 'Say No, And I'll Leave'


Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka
Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka
Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka has told journalists "as soon as you say 'No' to me in elections, I'll leave."

Lukashenka was answering a question put to him by a journalist from the independent Belarusian newspaper "Narodnaya Volya" and responded: "social surveys are not worth as much as votes in elections."

Lukashenka then told the unnamed journalist, "remember if you violate the law you will take personal responsibility [for what was written]."

Lukashenka also lashed out at Russian television channels that have portrayed him satirically.

Lukashenka said: "Yes, Russian television channels make jokes about Lukashenka but let them start with their own [politicians]."

Lukashenka continued "this is fair; Putin, then Medvedev, then let them make fun of Lukashenka."

compiled from agency reports

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