Berlin  - The poor human rights record in Belarus stands in the way of closer ties to the EU, was the assessment given Friday by the German human rights envoy Guenther Nooke following a visit to the region.

"There are positive changes, but things are advancing very slowly," Nooke said after several days of meetings with the government of Belarus, opposition leaders and human rights organisations.

The broadly pro-Russian rule of President Alexander Lukashenko was far less restrictive than during Soviet rule, Nooke said. However, "it is still an authoritarian system," he added.

Lukashenko, whose travel ban to Europe was lifted following the release of political prisoners last year, has repeatedly shown his interest in strengthening ties with the EU.

In March a decision is due on extending Lukashenko's temporary travel permission.

Observers believe that Belarus is keen to court the EU as a counterbalance to the country's dependency on Russia, which supplies oil and financial credit to its neighbour.

Opposition politicians told Nooke during his trip that non-governmental organisations (NGOs) frequently experienced problems registering in Belarus.

The government in Minsk has repeatedly shown its willingness to cooperate with western states on human rights issues.

"We are not convinced, however, that the steps lead in the direction of a change to the system," Nooke said of these efforts.

A new media law had brought improvements, but it was now even easier for the state to close down critical newspapers, the German envoy said.

Nooke was visiting the region on a joint trip with his Danish, Finnish and Dutch counterparts.

Belarus' strategic position between Russia and the NATO bloc makes it an important transit country for goods travelling between the EU and Russia.

Brussels is also interested in closer cooperation with Minsk to combat drug trafficking and illegal migration. (dpa)