Former PM refutes kidnapping rumours

Former Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq has given a phone interview on live television, denying reports that he had been kidnapped. BBC News reports that Shafiq's family had voiced fears of foul play, saying they were unable to contact him after he landed in Egypt. He was deported from the UAE on Saturday after five years in exile. The deportation came after Shafiq stated his intention to run for the presidency of Egypt in 2018. He says he is now reconsidering the plan. The report says Shafiq fled to the UAE after losing the 2012 presidential election to Mohammed Morsi, who issued an arrest warrant for him on corruption charges.