Belarus says ‘does not need’ Russian airbase

Lukachenko is often called “Europe’s last dictator” by his critics who accuse him of human rights abuses and the jailing of critics and opposition leaders.

Most Belarusian media are under either, direct or indirect government control, with just a few struggling to deliver independent reporting.

European Union governments can appeal the decision but may choose not to, as diplomats are moving to lift a few sanctions on Belarus following Lukashenko’s decision to free a group of political prisoners in August.

They claim the base would add to regional tensions already heightened by the conflict in Ukraine, and make it impossible for Belarus to maintain neutrality between Russian Federation and the West.

The EU’s sanctions list, which now numbers about 140 people and also includes Belarussian companies, expires on October. 31.

The Belarusian president was speaking two days after a few 500 opposition activists rallied in central Minsk against the establishment of such a base.

Lukashenko, who has been in power in the ex-Soviet republic since 1994, is standing for what will be a fifth consecutive term in office. An arms embargo will remain in place.

He has kept his country in a close strategic alliance with Moscow.