EGYPT’S ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) scored a sweeping victory in elections for the upper house of parliament after its members won all but two seats in the run-off round, state media reported overnight.

CAIRO, Egypt, June 19–A meeting of the Quartet of Mideast peacemakers due next week in Egypt will likely be put off after some partners asked for a delay following the Palestinian Hamas’ takeover of the Gaza Strip, top Arab diplomats said on Tuesday.

The investment company of Egyptian billionaire Nassef Sawiris has taken a 9.7 percent stake in Raleigh construction-aggregates company Martin Marietta.