The European Union (EU) is still considering the issue of freezing the assets of ousted Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and his family, said President of the European Parliament Jerzy Buzek on Sunday.
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry asked the United States and the EU to freeze the assets of several former Egyptian officials after the Egyptian revolution toppled the Mubarak regime which ruled Egypt for 30 years.
Europe 1 Radio station in France reported on Friday that the EU had decided on Friday to freeze the Mubarak family assets in 27 EU countries.
The radio quoted European diplomats as saying the decision includes funds and assets of 18 figures close to Mubarak. They went on to say that the EU foreign ministers would adopt the decision on Monday and that it would come into force later this week.
In a press statement following his meeting with Egyptian Prime Minister Essam Sharaf, Buzek said, "We are currently busy with what is going on in Libya,” in response to a question about the EU’s stance on freezing the Mubarak family assets.
Buzek went on to say that Europe would not impose anything on Egypt with regards to political reform and democratic transition, saying this must be achieved gradually, especially since the road to democracy is very long.
Buzek stressed the importance of cooperation with Egypt in all economic fields, especially trade and investment. Regarding cooperation between Mediterranean countries, Buzek said, “The whole world is happy with the Egyptian Revolution.” He went on to say, “Everyone was closely watching what was happening in Egypt,” adding that he visited Tahrir Square, which has become the most famous Square in the world.
Translated from the Arabic Edition
