Egyptian court upholds ban on Islamist party
CAIRO – A court in Egypt upheld Wednesday an earlier ruling that banned the Muslim Brotherhood and ordered its assets confiscated, the state news agency reported. The decision moves forward the complicated process of the government taking control of the Islamist group’s far-reaching social network and its finances.
The Cairo Court for Urgent Matters rejected the Brotherhood’s appeal to suspend the Sept. 23 ruling that ordered the group’s assets confiscated and its activities banned.
The sweeping September verdict was viewed as a legal pretext for the interim authorities to move against assets owned or administered by Brotherhood members, including schools, hospitals, charities, and businesses.
Colombia, rebels near deal to end fighting
HAVANA – Colombian government and rebel negotiators on Wednesday announced a partial agreement covering the guerrillas’ participation in national politics if talks in Havana reach a final deal to end their decades-old armed conflict.
In a joint statement, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, and representatives of Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, called the new accord on point No. 2 of their six-item agenda an important achievement.
The two sides said the deal calls for the rebels to disarm and form a political movement.
Associated Press
