Economics and Policy Banks in Cyprus were due to reopen today after almost two weeks, amid heightened security measures to control the thousands of people expected to swarm branches demanding their money. More from The National A pledge by Syria's central bank on Sunday to take action to support the pound is already looking hollow, raising speculation the authorities may no longer be willing to burn up reserves defending the currency. More from The Daily Star Palestinians have welcomed news of an Arab fund to prevent further Israeli encroachment on East Jerusalem. More from The National Kuwait had a budget surplus of KD17.2 billion ($60.5 billion) in the first ten months of its fiscal year, preliminary budget data showed, thanks to robust oil income and lower-than-expected public spending. More from Reuters Egypt will import 900,000 barrels of oil a month from Libya starting in April and is paying
