In brief: Throng in Egypt shows impatience

Cairo – Thousands of protesters once again gathered in Tahrir Square on Friday to voice their exasperation at the ruling Supreme Council of Armed Forces.

The military, which has been running Egypt since the toppling of President Hosni Mubarak on Feb.11, has been under heavy criticism from political movements for failing to quickly transfer power to a civilian authority.

Protesters and political groups called for an end to emergency laws, amendments to the new elections law and establishment of a clear timeline for drafting a new constitution and setting a date for presidential elections.

U.N. panel reviews Palestinian request

United Nations – The Security Council committee that reviews U.N. membership applications met for the first time Friday to consider the Palestinians’ request for recognition by the world body before sending it on for a technical review.

The meeting came exactly one week after Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas took his people’s quest for independence to U.N. headquarters.

French Ambassador Gerard Araud said experts will review technical aspects of the request for the first time next week, and indicated there would be further meetings before the committee reports back to the 15-member Security Council.