The president of Belarus has accused the opposition of trying to seize energy in the wake of mass protests versus disputed presidential elections.

Throughout a meeting of his stability council, Alexander Lukashenko claimed the opposition’s creation of a ‘Coordination Council’ was “an try to seize power,” in accordance to the condition-operate Belta information company.

“They demand nothing additional and practically nothing fewer: to transfer electrical power to them,” Lukashenko said.

Belarus’s protection forces brutally dispersed substantial avenue demonstrations that erupted in the wake of the 9 August presidential vote, which the opposition claimed was rigged to make certain Lukashenko’s victory.

The authoritarian leader’s closest rival, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, fled to neighbouring Lithuania and declared the development of the Coordination Council to assure the transfer of ability.

Lukashenko warned that authorities would take “sufficient actions” against opposition figures who participated in the council, indicating that any reaction would be taken within the restrictions of the legislation.

Yet the Belarusian chief has come below hearth from EU governments and legal rights groups for arresting nearly 7,000 demonstrators who took to the streets to protest the elections, with numerous detainees complaining of inhumane treatment and torture in detention centres.

Lukashenko also accused the opposition of making ready to cut ties with Minsk’s most strong ally, Russia, which has mentioned it is completely ready to intervene in publish-election turmoil if wanted.

He said the opposition needed to tear up the “union point out” arrangement with Moscow linking their economies and militaries, and proposed they have been preparing curbs on the use of the Russian language and on Russian corporations.

Tikhanovskaya ally, Maria Kolesnikova, denied the opposition wanted to rupture any existing agreements amongst Minsk and Moscow.

“We see Lukashenko’s promises as an endeavor to manipulate and deceive,” she claimed in feedback carried by the Interfax agency.

Extra than 100,000 individuals took aspect in a “March for Independence” next calls from Ms Tikhanovskaya for continued demonstrations.

EU leaders are to hold an crisis online video summit tomorrow to discuss their response to the disaster, which could incorporate sanctions.

The EU has not explicitly known as for Mr Lukashenko to step down, but some member states have referred to as for fresh new elections in Belarus.

US President Donald Trump said the United States was adhering to activities “extremely carefully”, describing it as a “awful predicament”.

However, Russia, Mr Lukashenko’s most highly effective ally, has explained it is completely ready to action in if vital.