Brussels, 29/09/2008 (Agence Europe) - The EU has reacted with caution and restraint to the legislative elections held in Belarus on 28 September. The elections were entirely won by the political parties supporting the government in power (there will be no opposition representative in parliament). According to OSCE observers, the elections were not democratic. “Despite some minor improvements (compared to earlier ballots), these elections do not meet OSCE criteria for democratic elections”, the OSCE states in a preliminary report presented to the press in Minsk. On Monday, the European Commission did not yet wish to give its stance on the consequences of the election for the future of EU/Belarus relations. “The preliminary OSCE report contains both negative and positive elements”, Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner states. “It is important now for the EU to reflect on how best we can engage with Belarus, its government and people”, she said. “This engagement (with Minsk) should include ways of strengthening respect for democratic principles, the rule of law and human rights”, said Ms Ferrero-Waldner. (H.B./transl.jl)