SOPOT, September 1 (RIA Novosti) - Democracies in former Soviet republics are still weak, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday.

"Democracies in our [post-Soviet] countries are weak, the political systems are not solid and the legal foundations are distinctly undetermined," Putin said at a news conference in Poland.

When asked why Russia supported Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, Putin said that "Lukashenko was elected by the direct secret ballot of the Belarusian people."

Belarus's long-serving leader, once dubbed "Europe's last dictator" by Washington, has been criticized for his record on human rights and democracy.

"We do not support unconstitutional processes, particularly in the post-Soviet space," Putin said.

Putin is in Poland for events to mark the 70th anniversary of the start of World War II.

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