News In Brief

Egypt and the USSR agree to exchange diplomats

Egypt and the Soviet Union have agreed to exchange ambassadors for the first time since 1981, ending a markedly chilly period in their relations, according to announcements in both Cairo and Moscow on Saturday.

Restoration of full diplomatic links reflects Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's stated wish for good relations with both superpowers.

Egyptian officials and diplomats here said they did not think the change would affect Egypt's pro-Western policies or impair a close alliance between Egypt and the United States.