TUNISIA: EU to freeze assets of Ben Ali relatives, allies

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A European Union official told the Associated Press it plans to freeze the assets of 46 allies and relatives of ousted Tunisian President Zine el Abidine ben Ali and his wife.

The official said Friday the decision was reached after consultations with authorities of the new Tunisian government. She spoke on condition of anonymity with the Associated Press because of the sensitivity of the information.

The EU had earlier announced plans to sanction Ben Ali and his wife and promised to help the country move toward full democracy. Ben Ali fled Tunisia for Saudi Arabia last month following large scale protests. Tunisia has issued an international arrest warrant for the longtime leader, accusing him of taking money out of the country illegally.

-- Molly Hennessy-Fiske