The court nullified on Monday a deal between Egypt and Saudi Arabia that would have seen the sovreignty of two Red Sea islands, Tiran and Sanafir, transferred to Saudi waters. Lawyer Essam al-Islamboly, who later joined Ali in the case, said the ruling cancels any government allegations that the islands belong to Saudi Arabia. However, the parliamentary coalition Egypt's Support stressed the Parliament's right to discuss the agreement on Monday, as stipulated by the constitution. Head of the Legislative Committee in the parliament Bahaa al-Din Abo Shaqa refused to comment on the court ruling, adding that the Parliament will adhere to its constitutional duties. He pointed out that Egypt has not been in dispute with Saudi Arabia since the 1950s, which confirms the strong relationship between the two countries.

Source: Egypt Independent January 17, 2017 12:10 UTC