20000316

First Egyptian

woman files

for divorce

CAIRO: An Egyptian woman has made legal history, on Wednesday, by filing for divorce within hours of a controversial new divorce law being approved in Egypt.

According to the sources, Wafa Gabr, 30, and her husband, appeared in court in the town of Tanta in the Nile Delta, on Wednesday. The judge wanted to reconcile them, but Wafa refused. She said she hated living with her husband. The sources said that under the new law, Wafa would have to forego alimony rights and return the dowry paid at the time of marriage.

The Egyptian Justice Ministry said that so far more than 100 women around the country are seeking divorce under the new law.

The sources said that Wafa and her husband were asked to appoint a mediator to reconcile them. However, if that failed, the judge would after three months, have no option but to declare them divorced, the sources added.ÑPPI