The Hague  - Belarusian Foreign Minister Sergei Martynov should not be allowed a visa to visit the European Union headquarters in Brussels next Monday, Dutch Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen told the Dutch parliament Wednesday.

Should the Netherlands persist in its position, Martynov will be blocked from visiting Brussels on Monday.

The move follows a proposed invitation to visit EU headquarters in Brussels by EU commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner, an advocate of easing visa restrictions for all Belarusians.

Belarus, regarded internationally as a dictatorship, recently released a number of political prisoners.

While admitting that it was important to recognize positive developments, Verhagen said it was too early to lift all international sanctions against Belarus, as the regime still did not respect human rights. (dpa)