More than 30 world leaders attended the ceremony, including Cuban President Raul Castro, Iran's Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus.

BBC: Venezuela Nicolas Maduro sworn in as acting president

If Alexander Lukashenko gained victory in 2004, this does not mean at all that he will be able to win in 2006.

BBC: NEWS | Europe | Press denounces Belarus poll

President Alexander Lukashenko did not say what caused the explosion at the Oktyabrskaya subway station, but suggested outside forces could be behind it.

MSN: Subway blast kills 12, injures dozens in Belarus

The man who rules Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, is severe.

WSJ: Europe's Last Dictatorship