Putin heading to Minsk with a two-day visit

Russian President Vladimir Putin today is expected to begin a two-day official visit to Belarus.  According to the official sources, Belarus and Russian presidents are scheduled to have a personal meeting and to head the session of the Supreme State Council of the Union State.

During the talks, the presidents will also discuss a draft Constitutional Act of the Belarus-Russia union state, reports Belapan.

Opposition in Minsk yesterday staged an unauthorized rally in downtown Minsk to protest against the possible signing of the Constitutional Act. The protest was ruthlessly dispersed by the riot police. Youth activist Zmitser Khvedaruk was beaten and had to be admitted to a hospital with brain concussion.