"Can I be a dictator? I don't have the resources to dictate to anyone" — Lukashenko

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said that the phrase "Europe's last dictator" is now a thing of the past.

According to Lukashenko, this phrase was initially coined by journalists and later widely spread in the international media.

"I know very well where this phrase came from. Someone used this word once, and the world media took it and circulated it. They persistently called me Europe's last dictator," Lukashenko said.

The Belarusian leader claims that the situation has changed now and Western politicians no longer use this phrase regarding him.

"Now no one calls me a dictator. That period is in the past. It's true that I currently do not hold official meetings with the heads of European countries, including leading nations. But I am in contact with them either through representatives or directly. As recently as with French President Emmanuel Macron," he said.

Lukashenko added that in personal or informal meetings, none of his foreign counterparts have ever used such phrases against him.

"None of them ever called me a dictator. Because it would simply be ridiculous. Could I be a dictator? I do not have the resources to dictate anything to anyone," said the Belarusian President. (savashmedia.az)