From RIA Novosti:  Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday ordered the government to respond to the European Parliament’s sanctions against him and scores of other officials.

"If anybody attempts to impose economic or any other sanctions against the country, we should respond and prepare counter-measures," Lukashenko told a government meeting. …

Earlier on Thursday, the European Parliament voted to impose sanctions against Lukashenko and his top aides involved in post-election beatings and arrests. …

The sanctions, including a travel ban and freeze on assets, will remain in place until all the detainees are released.  (photo: Reuters)

Image: reuters%201%2020%2011%20Alexander%20Lukashenko.jpg