EU lifting asset freeze on Egyptian, Tunisian fundsNovember 27, 2012 - 10:40 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The European Union announced Monday, Nov 26, it was lifting its asset freeze on Egyptian and Tunisian funds, imposed as sanctions before the countries' strongmen rulers were ousted in the Arab Spring uprisings, Middle East Online reported. The EU's council of ministers said it had taken steps to "facilitate the return of misappropriated funds to the Egyptian and Tunisian authorities" now that Egypt's Hosni Mubarak and Tunisia's Zine El Abidine Ben Ali had been replaced by elected governments. The council said it had adopted new legislation allowing the courts in individual EU member states to order the release of frozen assets once controlled by Mubarak, Ben Ali and their inner circles. "Once the necessary judicial steps have been taken, this should enable the release and return to the Egyptian and Tunisian authorities of funds frozen under EU sanctions," it said. "In addition, the amended legislation will facilitate the exchange of information between EU member states and the relevant authorities in Tunisia and Egypt so as to assist in the recovery of misappropriated funds." The EU did not say how much money was involved. Since January 2011, the EU had frozen the assets of 48 people accused of stealing Tunisian public funds, including Ben Ali, and 19 accused of stealing Egyptian public funds, including Mubarak. EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said returning the funds was a priority for the 27-member bloc. "The EU will spare no effort to help return this money to the people of these two countries," she said. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Mirzoyan says meeting with Bayramov was “constructive” At the moment, Ararat Mirzoyan said, there is no basis for additional comments. OSCE vows support for Armenia “in all three directions of security” Achieving stable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan remains a priority of the OSCE, said Ian Borg. 151 detained as civil disobedience campaigns continue in Yerevan Citizens have been blocking streets in the Armenian capital, demanding Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation. France welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan meeting in Almaty France has welcomed the new round of negotiations between the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan. |