EU offers more aid to shore up democracy in its backyard
BRUSSELS: Europe in a policy sea-change Wednesday offered more funds for more reforms to fledgling democracies in its backyard, spawned by the Arab Spring or lying on its eastern flank.…
Egypt prepares to invite tenders for nuclear plant
CAIRO: Egypt has completed technical studies and is preparing to invite tenders for building its first nuclear power plant, the official MENA news agency said Tuesday. Minister of Electricity Hassan…
Police coalition freezes activities after top ministry officials resign
CAIRO: The Police Coalition said the decision to freeze its activities following a meeting with the interior minister was taken solely by its members and not under threat, noting that…
Mubarak may face death sentence, says lawyer
CAIRO: Ousted president Hosni Mubarak is likely to face the death penalty if proven guilty of being involved in the killing of peaceful protesters as well as the attempted murder…
Egypt’s next parliament to review Iran ties: FM
NUSA DUA/CAIRO: Egypt's foreign minister said on Wednesday that the next parliament, which will be elected in September, will review the establishment of diplomatic ties with Iran. Nabil El-Araby told…
Youth disputes, participation of NDP figures mar National Dialogue Conference
CAIRO: The National Dialogue Conference concluded its sessions on Tuesday amid criticism over the participation of figures and former members of the disbanded National Democratic Party and "marginalizing" youth. Youth…
Video of man beating pre-schoolers forces government to take action
CAIRO: A video of a supervisor insulting and beating pre-schoolers with a thick wooden ruler, posted Tuesday on Youtube, outraged Egyptians who called for reform. The video was…
Judges’ Club head calls for protest ban at courthouses
CAIRO: Chancellor Ahmed Al-Zend, head of the Judges’ Club, called for banning protests inside or in front of courthouses to avoid assaults and attacks on judges and prosecutors. “Only citizens…
Egypt banks still lending
Egypt’s loan-to-deposit ratio is currently more than 50 percent, and despite the recent political turmoil, experts said lending is stable. After the nation’s January 25 revolution, the first quarter of…
Credit Suisse upgrades Commercial International Bank
CAIRO: Commercial International Bank (CIB) would benefit from a rebound in fee income and the flow of global aid to Egypt, Credit Suisse said and upgraded the stock to "outperform"…