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Lukashenko appears on TV, rejects poll criticism

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko appeared on state television for the first time in a week on Tuesday, but he looked tired and pale and the footage did little to dispel persistent rumors that he is in ill health following protests over his disputed re-election.

The authoritarian leader faced further pressure with the news that Russian gas giant OAO Gazprom said it would demand that Belarus triple its payments for gas deliveries. Such a move could cripple the country's Soviet-style command economy.

Lukashenko, who was shown on state television at a meeting with his foreign minister, rejected Western criticism of the March 19 poll.

"We won't yield to anyone. We have our own policy," he said in a measured voice.

The tone was in sharp contrast to the usual fiercely energetic demeanor of Lukashenko, who is noted for making hours-long speeches.

The president had not been seen on television news broadcasts since March 28, when he thanked the special services for dispersing demonstrators.

The opposition in this tightly controlled former Soviet republic claims Lukashenko disappeared from public view because of health problems after the unprecedented street protests by thousands of people over his election to a third term.

Hundreds of opposition protesters remain in jail after the breakup of a protest tent camp in a central Minsk square and a violent clash between demonstrators and riot police.

"Lukashenko has had a nervous breakdown, depression and heart problems," said Sergei Kalyakin, head of opposition presidential candidate Alexander Milinkevich's election headquarters.
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