In advance of upcoming 30 June anti-govt rallies, Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) tells local banks to keep extra cash on hand to avoid possible currency shortages. The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) has asked banks operating in Egypt to keep extra cash balances for at least five working days in order to prevent cash shortages in advance of planned anti-government demonstrations on 30 June, Al-Ahram's Arabic-language news website reported on Tuesday. The decision, signed by CBE Deputy Governor Gamal Negm, urged banks to maintain extra cash reserves at all their branches nationwide rather than concentrating reserves at their Cairo branches. Hazem Hegazi, head of retail at the National Bank of Egypt, told Al-Ahram's Arabic-language news website that the bank's 305 branches would remain open on 30 June. "No branches will close their doors, even those located near Tahrir Square and the Presidential Palace," he said in reference to Cairo's two premier protest venues. However, Hegazi added, branch managers "will have the authority to take any steps necessary to protect bank employees." The call for 30 June protests was initiated by Egypt's anti-Morsi 'Rebel' signature drive, launched in May with the aim of forcing President Mohamed Morsi – Egypt's first-ever freely elected head of state – to step down. Most opposition parties and groups, including the National Salvation Front umbrella group, have announced plans to participate in the demonstrations. Islamist forces, including the Muslim Brotherhood (the group from which President Morsi hails), are reportedly mulling the possibility of holding counter rallies on the same day, sparking fears of possible clashes between the two rival camps. Source: Ahram online
