PM threatens to quit in Belarus crisis

The Prime Minister of Belarus threatened to resign in protest yesterday over President Alexander Lukashenko's growing confrontation with parliament.

Mikhail Chigir wrote to Mr Lukashenko, saying he would step down unless the political and economic situation eased. It came a day after another government crackdown on an opposition demonstration. Mr Lukashenko, who must approve of such a resignation, responded by accusing parliament of pressing Mr Chigir and the entire Cabinet to resign.