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Opposition Candidate Says Ready to Lead Belarus

VOA News

   Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya says she is
   ready to become the leader of the country following a disputed election
   that ignited massive protests after longtime President Alexander
   Lukashenko was declared the winner.

   Lukashenko on Monday said he was open to the country holding a new
   presidential election, but only if an amended version of the
   constitution is passed.

   The president flew by helicopter to a factory in the capital of Minsk
   to rally support, but he was heckled by workers who chanted, "Go away!"

   His opponent in the election spoke in a video message released from
   Lithuania.

   "We all want to leave this loop that we found ourselves in 26 years
   ago. I am ready to take on the responsibility and become the national
   leader in this period,"Tsikhanouskaya said.

   "With the goal of calming the situation and entering into a normal
   period, freeing political prisoners, and in the shortest time creating
   the conditions and legislative base to organize new presidential
   elections. Real, honest and transparent elections, that will be
   unequivocally accepted by the international community."

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