Belarusian prez's 'landslide' election win draws Putin's praise, West curbs

Belarusian leader and Russian ally Alexander Lukashenko extended his 31-year rule Monday after officials declared him winner of a presidential poll opposition activists and Western govts called a sham. Lukashenko, who faced no serious challenge on the ballot, won 86.8% of the vote.

The EU, the UK, Australia and New Zealand issued a joint statement condemning "the sham elections in Belarus" and Lukashenko govt's human rights violations. They said they were imposing coordinated sanctions on Lukashenko's govt. Britain and Canada jointly imposed sanctions on six persons and three defence firms.

Meanwhile, Putin called Lukashenko to congratulate him on his "convincing victory." China's Xi Jinping also sent congratulations. agencies