Belarus' updated constitution to take effect on March 15 - Lukashenko

MINSK. March 4 (Interfax) - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has signed the decision adopted at the February 27 referendum to amend the country's constitution.

The signing ceremony, which was broadcast live on the Belarus-1 state-run television channel, took place at the Independence Palace in Minsk. More than 1,000 guests were invited according to the presidential press service.

"The updated Basic Law enters into effect on March 15, on the Day of the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus," Lukashenko said.

The constitutional referendum was held in Belarus on February 27. According to the Belarusian Central Elections Commission, the constitutional amendments were supported by 82.86% of people who took part in the referendum and by 65.16% of the country's eligible voters.