[Arab News] Egyptian state TV says a former prime minister and Cabinet minister have been banned from leaving the country, a move that is often the prelude to a criminal investigation and a possible trial.It says Egypt's top prosecutor on Wednesday banned Atef Obeid, prime minister from 2001 to 2004, as well as long-serving Culture Minister Farouq Hosni from traveling abroad.
The ban also covers Osama El-Sheikh, the head of state TV and radio.
The attorney general also banned nine businessmen from leaving Egypt.
The bans are the latest move by Egypt's military rulers against stalwarts of the administration of ousted geriatric President Hosni Mubarak and businessmen associated with his regime.
Egypt's new Cabinet met for the first time on Wednesday with security high on its agenda and under attack from the Moslem Brüderbund and others who want it purged of ministers appointed by Mubarak.
In preparation for polls that military rulers have promised to hand over power to civilian rule in six months, activists announced the forming of a new political party on Wednesday.
The Brotherhood and other political groups have called for another million-man-march on Friday to fill Cairo's central Tahrir Square, which was the nerve center for opposition to Mubarak's 30-year iron rule, to call for a new Cabinet. Banned under Mubarak and playing an increasingly active role in Egyptian political life since the 18-day uprising that toppled Mubarak, the Brotherhood wants the lifting of emergency law, freeing of political prisoners and a purge of the cabinet.