Aleksandr Lukashenko has taken office as President of Belarus

The inauguration ceremony took place in the Hall of solemn ceremonies of the Palace of Independence in Minsk. The route of the President's motorcade accompanied by an honourable escort of motorcyclists went along the two main avenues of the capital — Nezavisimosti and Pobediteley. More than 1.100 guests gathered at the Palace. The ceremony was opened by Chairman of the Central Election Commission Igor Karpenko, who announced that the will of the people of Belarus had elected Aleksandr Lukashenko as President of the country in free and democratic elections. Placing his right hand on the Constitution, Aleksandr Lukashenko took the oath of office in the Belarusian language. Then the National Anthem of Belarus was played, after which the President signed the Oath of Office. The Chairman of the Central Election Commission presented Aleksandr Lukashenko with the certificate of the President of the Republic of Belarus.