A Belarusian war veteran carrying a photo of President Alyaksandr Lukashenka (file photo) (AFP)
May 9, 2006 -- Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka marked the anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany by attacking the West for allegedly trying to destroy his country "from within."
The comments, made in a Victory Day speech, follow signs of support given by the United States and the European Union to the opposition following Lukashenka's reelection in a March poll deemed fraudulent by the West.
Also today, police detained three opposition activists handing out prodemocracy pamphlets to World War II veterans in Minsk.
(AP, belta.by)
World War II: 60 Years On
World War II: 60 Years On
A microsite devoted to RFE/RL's coverage of the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II in May 2005.
See also:
60 Years Later, Nagasaki Bomb Witness Is Finally Heard
For One Hiroshima Survivor, A Journey From Hate To Reconciliation