Russian Intelligence Service Warns

Russian FSB security service declared that foreign pro-democracy activists are secretly plotting revolution in Belarus.

Nikolai Patrushev, head of the FSB, said foreign NGOs had been working covertly to help oust Belarusian President Alexander Lukatshenko.

Speaking to Russia's parliament, Mr Patrushev accused US, British, Kuwaiti and Saudi NGOs of spying. He said that at least $5m has been prepared for the opposition groups in Belarus for 2005. He did not specify who he suspects of providing the money.

Viktor Vegera, deputy head of the Belarusian security service, the KGB, supported Mr Patrushev's allegations in a TV interview.