Belarus's Lukashenko takes oath of office

MINSK, Apr 8 (Reuters) Belarus's President Alexander Lukashenko, accused by opposition and in the West of systematically crushing human rights, took the oath of office today for a third term in office.

With his right hand on the Belarussian constitution, Lukashenko vowed to serve the Belarussian people and uphold their rights during a ceremony in the imposing Palace of Republic in central Minsk.

The ceremony was shown live on Belarussian television.

REUTERS CH KP1751