BELARUS-PRESIDENT-POWER-HANDOVER

Minsk, July 2 (Interfax) – Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has refuted speculation that he may hand over the reins of power to his children.

“There cannot be any hereditary handover of power,” Lukashenko said at a solemn gathering ahead of the July 3 Independence Day.

“I am surprised to read and hear that Lukashenko has come forever… Let me say once again, not for the sake of justifying myself: my children have had enough of the presidency during my tenure,” he said.

Lukashenko denied allegations that he has a fortune worth billions, which he keeps in foreign banks.

“Our country is an islet of honesty and justice. That’s how it is viewed both inside our republic and abroad… And we mustn’t by any means spoil our image of being an honest and reputable country,” the Belarusian leader said.

[BY EUROPE EEU EMRG POL PRO]

20:08:30 EET-2