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McCain Calls Lukashenka 'Brutal Tyrant'


U.S. senators John McCain (center right) and Joseph Lieberman (center left) meeting Belarusian students in Vilnius
U.S. senators John McCain (center right) and Joseph Lieberman (center left) meeting Belarusian students in Vilnius
U.S. Senator John McCain has harshly criticized Alyaksandr Lukashenka, calling the Belarusian president a "ruthless and brutal tyrant" on the "wrong side of history."

McCain said current events in the Middle East and Egypt are "strong lessons" for any government that deprives its people of their rights.

The Republican senator spoke today in Lithuania during a visit by a delegation of congressmen that also included Independent Senator Joseph Lieberman.

The congressmen met with Belarusian students in Lithuania.

The EU and the United States have imposed new sanctions on Belarus in response to Lukashenka's crackdown on protests in December after his disputed reelection.

compiled from agency reports

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