Putin Congratulates Lukashenko On Election Victory
MOSCOW. March 20 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Alexander Lukashenko on his reelection as president of Belarus, the Russian president's press service said on Monday.

"The outcome of the elections demonstrates voters' trust in your policies aimed at further raising the well-being of the Belarussian people," Putin said in his letter to Lukashenko.

Russia and Belarus have strong bonds of friendship, the Russian president said. "We are vigorously working to develop multidimensional integration cooperation and broaden relations in all areas. I am convinced that thanks to our joint efforts, we will be able to make headway in building our union and ensure our countries' gradual democratic development," Putin said.

"I wish Lukashenko success at the presidential post. I wish the fraternal Belarussian people peace and prosperity," he said.