Egypt names new ambassador to Israel

Egypt says it has named a new ambassador to Israel to replace its outgoing envoy. A Foreign Ministry statement issued Tuesday said the new ambassador would be Yasser Ridha, a key assistant to Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit. It describes Ridha as a diplomat with "diverse experience in Arab and Israeli affairs." He previously served in China, Cyprus, Iraq, Germany and Italy. The outgoing ambassador to Israel, Mohammed Assem, has finished his 3-year post and will return to Cairo.