Lukashenko: We’ll turn the neck of the rebels

President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, said that he would “turn the neck” of anyone who will try to arrange a coup during the presidential election, reports Radio Liberty.

“God forbid that they dare to do something in this country. We will turn their neck immediately - like ducklings,” he said in an interview conveyed on state television.

Earlier, in an official television picture, Lukashenko said: "I guarantee that there will be no coup in our country. There will be no seizure of buildings, blocking streets and squares." He assured that public order will be ensured.

Lukashenko criticized the opposition, "persistently calling people to take to the streets." According to the president, such a "understanding of democracy" means "riots, riots, use of force."

"I guarantee that the elections will be completely in accordance with our laws," Lukashenko said. “The fate of the country is in your hands,” he concluded.

Lukashenko also called on observers who will attend the elections, "do not exceed their powers" and "not decide how to live and in what direction the Belarusian people should develop."

Meanwhile, the head of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barrosa expressed the hope that the elections in Belarus would not lead to violence.

"I hope that there will be no violence in Belarus and urge (the parties) to show restraint. We are concerned about the development of the situation in a negative plan and we believe that such development will have consequences for the Belarusian authorities," Barrosa told Barrosa on Saturday following a visit to Moscow.

The Chairman of the European Commission called on the Belarusian authorities to observe international standards in the field of human rights.

Elections in Belarus will take place on Sunday, March 19.