Belarus officials who ordered violence and faked elections are to face EU visas bans and asset freezes, foreign ministers agreed on Friday.

More than the tangible destruction, the explosion in the port of Beirut meant the ultimate destruction of hope for many civilians.

An international charity worker on the ground in Minsk says protesters' will has not been broken despite days of violence.

The tragedy in Lebanon must spark a deeper European Union rethink of its engagement in the Mediterranean.

Belarus is banking on its EU ally Hungary to prevent sanctions, despite deaths and serious allegations of torture of pro-democracy protestors.

Police viciously attacked protesters in Minsk for a fourth night in a row on Wednesday, as EU confirmed sanctions talks.