The UN Human Rights Council agreed Monday to host an urgent debate about the deteriorating rights situation in Belarus since protests erupted over Alexander Lukashenko's disputed re-election as president last month. The decision to host an urgent debate, as requested by the European Union, was taken following a vote, with 25 of the council's 47 members voting in favour, two against and 20 abstentions. UN Human Rights Council President Elisabeth Tichy-Fisslberger of Austria said the debate would take place on Friday. nl/rjm/wdb