"I Will Not Give Power to Anyone" Says Lukashenko

Power is not given to take, then leave, and hand over. This was stated by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on September 10, as reported by eadaily.com.

"I want to tell you frankly, so that nothing remains unsaid. I am often accused of 'he will not give up power.' They are right in their accusations. The people did not elect me for that. Just as you, the holders and bearers of this power, were not elected for that. Power is not given to take and then leave and hand over. In the mid-1990s, power was in the dirt; they were wiping their feet on it. Just like with you, those who wore epaulettes. Many of you remember that period. And I do not want Belarus to return to that period. So, no one can throw power into the dirt, as they demand," said Lukashenko while introducing Andrey Shved to the position of the country's chief prosecutor.

At the same time, he noted that "he will do it with them or without them." Protests in Belarus have not ceased since the presidential elections held on August 9, with the opposition and their supporters taking to the streets daily to protest the election results, in which the current president Alexander Lukashenko was declared the winner.