Associated Press

Brussels, January 8

The European Union warned Belarus it risked losing trade privileges as an investigation opened into

alleged violations of labour rights in the former Soviet republic.

The European Union’s executive Commission said it was initiating an inquiry into charges by three international trade union confederations that authorities in Belarus were interfering with the registration of trade unions there, limiting their activities and repressing union leaders and activists.

Also yesterday, the EU’s executive Commission granted additional tariff preferences to Sri Lanka, which it said was "making good progress" toward meeting core labour standards.

But it added "this situation will have to be carefully monitored."