Egypt allows Americans on trial to leave

CAIRO -- Egypt lifted a travel ban yesterday on seven Americans facing trial on charges they worked for pro-democracy groups that fomented unrest with illegal foreign funding. The shift signaled an end to the worst crisis in U.S.-Egyptian relations in 30 years.

The clash put $1.5 billion in annual American aid to Egypt at risk, sparking intense behind-the-scenes negotiations between the two countries to find a way out.

The seven, who include the son of U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, are among 16 Americans on trial in the case. The other Americans charged had already left the country.

In Washington, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said the United States was encouraged by reports the travel ban has been lifted but added she had no confirmation.

Defense lawyer Tharwat Abdel-Shaheed said the seven Americans could leave the country only if they post bail set at about $300,000. They have also signed pledges to attend the next hearing. "The ban was lifted on humanitarian grounds, but the bail is way too high," he told The Associated Press.

Even before the lifting of the ban, there were signs the case was dissolving under intense U.S. pressure.

The trial began Sunday, but was adjourned until April 26. The court's three judges excused themselves from the case on Tuesday, citing "uneasiness."

Egyptian officials said the travel ban was lifted by the country's top prosecutor at the recommendation of the case's investigating judge. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the case.

The affair began in December, when Egyptian security raided offices of 10 nonprofit pro-democracy and human rights groups, confiscating documents and equipment. That led to charges that the groups have financed protests over the past year with illegally obtained funds and have failed to register with the government, as required.