Landmines Struggle Center monitored the deaths of 5 persons and the injury of 7 in 6 mine/UXOs incidents in Egypt during last year. The number of casualties has decreased compared to 1999, which witnessed 37 victims (14 killed/23 injured) and 1998 that witnessed 33 victims (13 killed/20 injured).

The course will be led by Sharryn Aiken, Legal Specialist, Refugee Studies Centre, York University, Toronto. Dates: 16-19 July 2001, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and 21 July, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Venue: AUC Main Campus, Hill House, 6th floor lounge. Entrance at Mohammed Mahmoud Gate. Deadline for applications: 31 May 2001.

Officials of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said they considered the privatization of the Egyptian state-owned banks not important as the country's banking system depends largely on these banks' power and competition, on the contrary the privatization may yield adverse outcomes if the government gives up these significant tool in controlling the monetary policy.

Egypt's legal, political and social climate encourages the use of torture during detention and leaves victims without adequate means of redress, an Egyptian human rights group said on Monday.