European Parliament leader 'deeply worried' over Belarus

(STRASBOURG) - European parliament president Martin Schulz voiced concern over continuing rights abuses in Belarus ahead of general elections there, as he opened a plenary session of the assembly Monday.

In a speech kicking off this week's plenary, Schulz told the few MEPs present that he had "great concern at the continued abuse of human rights, the rule of law and democratic values in Belarus.

"I am deeply worried by recent events in the country, notably the travel ban on some opposition leaders and human rights defenders, laws that expand the powers of the KGB and the recent expulsion of the Swedish ambassador," he added.

He also called for the immediate release of political prisoners and urged President Alexander Lukashenko to ensure that the September 23 parliamentary elections complied with international democratic standards.

In a clash with the European Union last month, Minsk expelled the ambassador of Sweden and ordered out all its diplomats after a Swedish public relations firm claimed to have conducted a protest with an air-drop of teddy bears carrying messages on human rights.