Tough talk or all bark?

After an hour-long debate, EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels last week expressed deep concern over the deterioration of rights and political freedoms in Belarus.

British Foreign Minister Jack Straw said that the Ministers showed a "profound concern ... at the flaws to the democratic state in Belarus, and in particular, we want to see free and fair presidential elections," adding: "In the event of failure to uphold international standards, the draft conclusions make it clear that measures such as asset freezes or visa bans could be taken against those responsible."

However, the final resolution adopted by the officials failed to mention what types of sanctions the EU could apply. Earlier drafts released to the press had spoken of just the travel and financial restrictions Straw indicated.

The EU wants Belarus to halt the oppression of opposition parties, non-governmental organizations and independent media to ensure that next year's presidential elections are free and fair - especially when it comes to allowing candidates equal access to state-run media.