BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

10/04/2007

President Assures Belarusians He Is In Control

Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka said on April 8 during Easter services in Minsk's main Orthodox church that he is in "full control" of the situation in Belarus, Belapan reported on April 9. "Believe me," Lukashenka said, "nothing has changed during this year. The president is standing firm and is in full control of the situation in the country." Lukashenka said Belarus will defend its freedom and independence. "They want us to resign ourselves, to bow," he said. They want "most of us to get down on our knees. This won't ever happen. We are a proud, freedom-loving, independent people that lives on its own land. And this will always be the case." In reference to Russian price hikes for gas exports, Lukashenka said the Belarusian economy has recovered from a "powerful blow." "We are able to get back on our feet," Lukashenka said, "we have done this." AM

Source:

http://www.rferl.org/newsline/2007/04/3-CEE/cee-100407.asp