Egyptian elections might be held early
CAIRO — Egypt’s military leader told electoral officials Monday to speed preparations for presidential elections after a new eruption of street protests demanding that the ruling generals move more quickly to hand power to an elected government.
The military rulers had previously promised to hold presidential elections for their successor by the end of June. But Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi, head of the ruling military council, asked election commission officials “to quickly finish legal procedures for presidency nominations,” according to Egypt’s state-run news agency.
It appeared the vote might be held about a month ahead of schedule.
Meanwhile, the United States is threatening to cut off $1.5 billion in annual aid because of a crackdown on Egyptian and foreign nonprofit groups promoting democracy and human rights. The ruling military accuses the groups of using foreign funding to foment unrest.
The crisis escalated Sunday when authorities referred 43 employees of nonprofit groups, including 19 Americans, to trial. On Monday, they released the names of the 19 Americans who will be tried, including the son of U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. Out of the 19, only six are in the country.
Gadhafi loyalists put on trial
TRIPOLI, Libya — A Libyan prosecutor says 40 suspects have appeared before a military tribunal in the country’s first trial of Moammar Gadhafi loyalists since the dictator’s overthrow. The proceedings that opened Sunday in a Benghazi military base have been adjourned until Feb. 14. Prosecutor Mohammed Mathi said Monday that this is the first trial of Gadhafi loyalists. Denver Post wire services
