Egypt renews tough emergency laws

Cairo, 12 May-(ANA)-Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak has issued a decree renewing the country's emergency laws for a further two years.

The decision has led to criticism from political opponents and human rights groups, who say the laws stifle political freedom in the country.

But the government says it has made significant changes to the laws, which have been in place for almost 30 years.

The government has said they would only be used in terrorism or drug cases.

Provisions allowing police to tap opposition supporters' phones, the censorship of the media and the confiscation of property would be removed, Minister for Legal Affairs Moufid Shehab said.

The United States expressed disappointment at Egypt's decision to renew the emergency laws.

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Egypt had missed an opportunity to embrace freedom of speech and of assembly.

He urged the Egyptian government to move quickly to fulfil the promises it had made to its citizens.(ANA)

FA/ANA/12 May 2010--------