DATE:
05/06/2009
MINSK, Belarus (AP) - Belarus' leader has accused Russia of trying to blackmail Belarus into recognizing the independence of Georgia's separatist provinces.
Alexander Lukashenko says Moscow has made recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia a condition for Belarus to receive the last $500 million of a $2 billion loan.
Russian officials have denied any such link.
The comments released by Lukashenko's office Friday reflected growing tensions between the two neighbors and allies.
Moscow recognized South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent nations after the Russian-Georgian war in August and hoped that Belarusian recognition would quickly follow.
But the Belarusian parliament, which is filled with Lukashenko's loyalists, has not taken up the issue.
Source:
http://www.fox12idaho.com/global/story.asp?s=10483552
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