MINSK, Nov 25: Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko, accused by Washington and the European Union of blatant human rights violations, said on Thursday the West was offering him money to step aside and not seek re-election.

Mr Lukashenko, in power since 1994, is entitled to run for a new term next year after winning a referendum on constitutional change which Western countries say was rigged.

A statement by the president’s press service said Lukashenko announced he had refused the offer of money while meeting parliamentary leaders.

“Alexander Lukashenko said that according to information he has, the West is prepared to offer some sort of safety guarantees to the president and his family, as well as money, if he decides not to take part in the campaign,” it said.—Reuters