Belarus Leader Seeks to Empower Son in Succession Move

KYIV, UKRAINE - Belarus' authoritarian leader said Saturday that he would change the law on presidential succession so that power in the Eastern European nation will be transferred if he dies to the national security council, where his son plays a prominent role.

Many observers have suggested that President Alexander Lukashenko, who has ruled with an iron fist since 1994, aims to establish a political dynasty, although Lukashenko denies this. Lukashenko himself is the head of the national security council, but his eldest son, Viktor, also has a seat and is regarded as the council's informal leader. Under current law, the prime minister takes presidential powers if the presidency becomes vacant, but Lukashenko said Saturday that the premier would be only the nominal leader and all decisions would be made by the 20-person security council. He said he would sign a decree to make the change soon.