Brussels, 07/11/2005 (Agence Europe) - As expected (see EUROPE 9061), EU foreign ministers said on Monday that they were deeply concerned at the human rights and civil liberties situation in Belarus - which has been deteriorating in recent weeks. In the conclusions adopted on Monday by the General Affairs - Foreign Relations Council, the ministers mention 'harassment' of political parties, independent media and non-governmental organisations. Ahead of the 2006 presidential elections, the Council urged Belarus to reverse the current deteriorating trend in respect of democracy and human rights and called for the election process to be free and fair, and meet international standards. The EU wants Belarus to invite OSCE election observers (the EU would be prepared to contribute to this). Minsk is also urged to ensure all eligible candidates have the option of standing and freely campaigning, with equal access to public broadcasting media. The Council conclusions add that the EU will continue to support civil society and free media in Belarus and will be closely examining the situation, prepared to take appropriate restrictive measures (like a visa ban and the freezing of assets) against members of the government responsible for failing to meet the international commitments made by the country, particularly under its membership of the OSCE.