Lukashenko says media 'buried' him
MINSK. Aug 2 (Interfax) - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said the media "buried" him during a working trip to the Minsk region, the television channel ONT has reported.
While giving orders to a local official, Lukashenko said with a smile, "You will report to me next year. Will you still be alive next year? Don't rush to say yes, I was buried a day ago, and they could bury you, too."
Journalists noted that rumors of the president's ailment appeared to be exaggerated. "Wait, they have also said this is my double," Lukashenko laughed.
A number of online media outlets reported that he had had a stroke and canceled his trip to Gomel last Friday. Lukashenko met with executives of China's CITIC Group on Saturday.
Presidential press secretary Natalia Eismont called rumors of Lukashenko's sickness ridiculous.