EU freezes assets of ousted Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and 18 people in his inner circle

The European Union on Monday froze the assets of ousted Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak and 18 people in his inner circle.

The sanctions against resources owned by people identified as "responsible for the misappropriation of Egyptian state funds" were signed off by foreign ministers meeting in Brussels.

The move follows a Cairo criminal court ruling which upheld a decision to freeze the assets of Mubarak and his family.

Diplomats said the EU list, to be published later this week, includes Mubarak, his wife Suzanne, his two sons Alaa and Gamal and their wives, as well as key former regime figures, such as a former interior minister and a ruling party official.

The ministers also reiterated the EU's readiness to support the peaceful and orderly transition to a civilian and democratic government in Egypt based on the rule of law, with full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. They also pledged "to support efforts to create an economy which enhances social cohesion and promotes growth."