Reports Different On Nuke Weapons

Belarus’ embattled president said Sunday that the last nuclear warhead will be shipped out of his country next week, raising new questions about the number of weapons remaining in the former Soviet republic.

President Alexander Lukashenko, who may be granted near-dictatorial powers in a referendum Sunday, said the last nuclear-tipped missile would be shipped to Russia on Tuesday.

But his remarks contradicted those of Col. Gen. Viktor Yesin, Russia’s strategic missile troops chief, who reportedly announced the removal of Belarus’ last nuclear weapon on Saturday.

And Russia’s strategic missile troops’ headquarters said the withdrawal was continuing, despite reports to the contrary.