Egypt denies Mubarak's health is failing
CAIRO, July 20 (Reuters) - Reports about a deterioration in Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's health are categorically false, his information minister said on Tuesday, two days after a U.S. newspaper said Mubarak was dying of cancer.
"The president is in good health and has been given a clean bill of health by his doctors, following his recent gallbladder surgery in Germany," Information Minister Anas El Fekky said in a statement to Reuters.
"We obviously understand the interest in this issue given Egypt's geopolitical weight, and the president's role as a force for stability in the Middle East. However, the media reports published on the president's health are based on nothing more than rumor and speculation without any factual basis whatsoever, including a recent report citing anonymous intelligence sources."
Minister says Egypt's GDP to grow at least 6.5% this Year
Reuters
July 29, 2010
Egypt's gross domestic product (GDP) is likely to grow by at least 6.5 percent in the fiscal year that began on July 1, signalling the economy is back on track, the economic development minister said on Thursday.
The economy grew by 5.9 percent in the fourth quarter of 2009/10, up from 5.8 percent in the third quarter and 5.1 percent in the second quarter, according to government figures.
"If we are to see any indication from the growth rate, the second quarter is higher than the first, and the third is higher than the second. Then clearly we are getting back to normal," Osman Mohamed Osman said at a news conference.
American and Egyptian Scholars strive to bridge Religion Gap
Los Angeles Times
July 29, 2010
Fifteen young American religious scholars and 14 teaching assistants from Al Azhar University - one of the oldest and most influential Islamic institutions in the world - spent two weeks together this month at Georgetown University in an attempt to bridge the divide between the Muslim world and the United States.
The potpourri of young religious scholars studied the legal foundations of American democracy and religious diversity in the U.S. and met with political figures, including White House advisor Valerie Jarrett and Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), the first Muslim American elected to Congress.
"I met people that I love, and I consider them as my brother, my sister, my mother," said Ibrahim Elbaz, 30, from Mansoura, Egypt.
Harley owners storm the desert
CNN's Schams Elwazer rode across Egypt on a Harley to cover Egypt's First International Harley Owners Group Rally in April.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Congratulates Egypt on National Day
STATEMENT BY SECRETARY CLINTON July 22, 2010
Egypt’s National Day
On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the Egyptian people as you mark your National Day on July 23. This is an opportunity to celebrate Egypt’s rich history and culture and to reaffirm the bonds of friendship that have united our two countries for many years. I have been privileged to experience first-hand the warmth and generosity of the Egyptian people and the beauty of your ancient nation.
The partnership between Egypt and the United States is a cornerstone of stability and prosperity in the Middle East and around the world. We are working together to meet many regional and global challenges, including efforts to end poverty, achieve a comprehensive peace between Israel and its neighbors based on a two-state solution that guarantees security and dignity for all the parties, and confront the violent extremism that has targeted innocent civilians in both our countries.
The deep cultural, commercial, and educational ties between the Egyptian and American peoples and the partnership between our governments are rooted in mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual responsibility -- in the common aspirations our people share for a future that is more secure, more prosperous, and more free. Our friendship provides us a foundation for meeting the challenges and seizing the opportunities of the 21st century together.
On this occasion, I offer you our warmest wishes for a happy holiday and a peaceful and prosperous year to come.
Egypt Sees 6 Percent Increase in Tax Revenue
Egypt's tax revenue rose 6 percent in the fiscal year to June 30 after an unexpected surge in economic activity, the finance minister said on Sunday.
Egypt's economy, which withstood the worst of the global economic crisis that began in mid-2008, was buoyed last year by resurgent tourism and Suez Canal receipts, along with resilient construction and gas exports.
"Last year, the national economy regained its strength faster than we had expected. Activity appeared in economic sectors where it was unexpected," Youssef Boutros-Ghali told a news conference.
Ambassador Shoukry Meets with Prime Minister Nazif in Cairo
Prime Minister Dr. Ahmed Nazif received Ambassador Sameh Shoukry in Cairo yesterday as the ambassador presented his vision to develop Egyptian-American economic relations.
Ministry of Family and Population starts Campaign against Underage, Summer Marriages
Daily News Egypt
July 19, 2010
For the second year in a row, the Ministry of Family and Population launched a campaign to raise awareness of the dangers posed by underage as well as summer marriages, also referred to as temporary marriages, in the 6th of October governorate.
The awareness campaign will target young girls, students and families in the villages of Abou El-Nomros, El-Badrasheen and El-Hawamdeya through informal teaching methods and utilizing media outlets, according to a press statement issued by the ministry.
In the statement, Minister Moshira Khattab said that combating underage marriages is essential for Egypt's fight against child trafficking and abuse.
Khattab also said that one of the reasons behind the ministry's decision to kick off a second round of this campaign were the positive results of last year's effort which she said spurred a social movement.
The ministry will consult local councils and non-governmental organizations in the targeted areas.
Egyptian Grand Mufti reflects on Obama's Cairo Speech
Washington Post “Guest Voices”
July 15, 2010
Last month marked the first anniversary of President Barack Obama's speech to the Muslim world in Cairo where he sought "a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world; one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect"
However, the hope that greeted President Obama's speech has turned into disappointment as people realized that turning promises into reality is not easy to achieve. While he should be congratulated on his efforts to change the discourse of US policy towards the Muslim world, it is clear that people expect more than simply statements from him.
It is vital to rekindle the new spirit that accompanied President Obama's speech and to discuss together how we can transform it into practical programs that bridge the concept of dialogue with real and affective partnership between East and West.
Sheikh Ali Gomaa is the Grand Mufti of Egypt.
Egyptian Farmer shows off "Miracle" Two-Headed Calf
Associated Press
July 15, 2010
A farmer in northern Egypt says his cow has given birth to a two-headed calf that he calls a "divine miracle."
Sobhy el-Ganzoury said Saturday it took two hours and much pulling to deliver the rare calf. He said the difficult birth has weakened the calf's legs.
El-Ganzoury said the veterinarian informed him that the calf, which was born this week, is now in stable condition and is expected to survive. He said he intends to keep the animal as a reminder that "God is able to do anything."