Belarus Ruler Calls Congress of Supporters Amid Protest Gridlock

  • Lukashenko may seek to reassert authority at February congress
  • Opposition demands he resign after disputed August election
Alexander Lukashenko

Photographer: Alexander Astafyev/AFP/Getty Images

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Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, facing the biggest protests of his 26-year rule, will gather a convention of his supporters in February in an effort to break the gridlock that has paralyzed his country’s political life since August.

A two-day Belarusian People’s Congress will start Feb. 11, state-owned news agency Belta reported Monday, citing Lukashenko at a meeting with officials in Minsk.