I'm not clinging to power; I will do everything to peacefully hand it over to the new generation.

Axar.az reports that this was stated by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

"I will do everything to transfer power to the new generation peacefully and quietly. I hope that both you and my children will live under the new government," he said.

Lukashenko emphasized that his greatest advantage is not attempting to hold onto power by force.

The Belarusian leader noted that he will do everything to ensure a smooth generational transition:

"We need to prepare the younger generations. Belarus will be taken over and protected by our children. We have preserved the sovereignty and independence of this country together. Generational change has always been a painful process. I promise you won’t feel that pain."