EU Takes Trade Measures Against Belarus

Belarusian guards patrol the border with Lithuania (ITAR-TASS)

December 21, 2006 -- EU agriculture ministers today agreed to take away Belarus's trading privileges if the country does not improve the rights of workers.

The threat, which would stop Belarus from receiving favorable export tariffs, comes after a European Commission investigation concluded that Belarus has prevented the establishment of trade unions.

The EU has already placed a travel ban on senior EU officials and frozen their assets.

(AFP)