06/12/2005 (Agence Europe) - In a statement issued on 2 December, the British Presidency noted on behalf of the EU: 'The European Union regrets that it must once again express its concern about developments in Belarus following the Belarusian National Assembly's decision to approve in first reading a draft Anti-Revolution Bill amending the penal code. The provisions of the bill seem to go entirely against many of Belarus' human rights commitments, notably the rights to freedom of association and freedom of expression. This legislation appears to be a clear attempt to intimidate Byelorussians and stifle free speech as Belarus approaches presidential elections. The EU urges the Belarusian National Assembly to reconsider their decision and to reject the draft legislation, especially in the light of Belarus' OSCE Human Dimension Commitments. The EU also calls on the Belarusian authorities to take concrete steps to demonstrate their willingness to respect democratic values and the rule of law, so that we can begin to develop closer and deeper relations.'