Elsewhere in middleeast

Egypt referendum: 77 per cent vote yes

CAIRO: Egyptian voters overwhelmingly approved a referendum on constitutional changes on Sunday that will usher in rapid elections,with the results underscoring the strength of established political organizations,particularly the Muslim Brotherhood,and the weakness of emerging liberal groups. More than 14.1 million voters,or 77.2 percent,approved the amendments; 4 million,or 22.8 percent,voted against. Nearly 41 percent among the 45 million eligible voters came out to vote.

Unrest an external plot,foiled it

MANAMA: Bahrains king Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa Monday said an external plot to subvert security and stability of the country had been foiled and praised the Saudi Arabia-led Gulf Co-operation Council force for helping to crush the unrest in the mostly Shia nation. Though he did not name the power behind the plot,Bahrain has accused Iran of interfering in its affairs. Bahrain expelled an Iranian diplomat Sunday,accusing him of contacts with opposition groups,Al Jazeera said.