Briefly

BELARUS

Lukashenko prepared to share power

Facing growing protests that have posed the biggest challenge to his 26 years in power, President Alexander Lukashenko said on Monday that he was ready to share power in Belarus, although not under pressure from the streets. His remarks came after opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya had said she was willing to lead the country. Lukashenko said on Monday that there would be no new presidential election, something the opposition wants, until he was killed. The official Belta news agency quoted him as saying he would be willing to share power however, and to change the Constitution, but that he was not prepared to do so under pressure from protesters.

LEBANON

Compensation sought after Beirut explosions

The Lebanese economy minister announced on Monday that 2,500 people have applied to insurance companies for compensation totaling $425 million for the damage caused by the Beirut explosions. Raoul Nehme said the number of applications is expected to reach 10,000, the National News Agency reported. Nehme's remarks came during his meeting with President Michel Aoun and a delegation representing insurance companies. Two huge explosions rocked the Port of Beirut on Aug 4, shaking buildings all over Lebanon's capital, and killing at least 177 while wounding 6,000 others. The explosions also caused billions of dollars in losses in the Middle East country.

SYRIA

US helicopter attacks army checkpoint

Syrian state media reported that a US helicopter gunship on Monday attacked a Syrian army checkpoint in the country's northeast, killing one soldier and wounding two others. According to the reports, the attack came after the Syrian army prevented a US convoy from passing through. There was no immediate comment from the US military on the reported incident. Tensions have been rising in northeast Syria between government forces and US troops in recent months. In several instances, Syrian troops prevented US forces from entering several areas in the region. Syrian state TV said the helicopter attack took place in Tal Dahab village near Qamishli.

Agencies - Xinhua