Lukashenka checks if commandos are reliable after elections

This is the opinion of Ret. Col. Uladzimir Baradach, former commander of the special forces brigade in Maryina Horka.  On June 15 Alexander Lukashenka visited "A" commando unit of the Belarusian KGB. In the view of the expert, the head of the state is checking the loyalty of special forces, especially in a possible post-election conflict with Russia. Today's visit will not be the last, says Baradach. "Naturally, he will first visit the special forces units that will be deployed to disperse protests after the election. Those are the experienced peopl! Further on, he will visit elite units like special forces brigades, the airborne troops brigade in Vitsebsk which is near Russia. He will try to prove that he has the power".

In the view of Baradach, Lukashenka will be contended by a pro-Russian candidate during the electoral campaign. The Belarusian leader, having an example of Bakiyev in front of his eyes, is forced to think about how to protect his power.


Photo: BELTA