Egypt's political rivals meet amid tension

Liberal and Islamist political leaders met privately today to try to ease tensions that have sparked protests in which some 60 Egyptians have died since late January, politicians said today.

The protests erupted after the second anniversary of the uprising which overthrew Hosni Mubarak and reflected competing visions for Egypt's future. Political turbulence has slowed negotiations for a $4.8 billion dollar loan from the International Monetary Fund.

Politicians said Mohamed ElBaradei, a prominent liberal activist and leader of the National Salvation Front (NSF), met Saad el-Katatni, head of the Muslim Brotherhood's ruling Freedom and Justice Party (FJP). Another leader of the NSF, Sayed el-Badawi, also took part in the talks.

Previously the NSF had boycotted the idea of talks with President Mohamed Mursi of the Muslim Brotherhood, who has been the target of protester rage in weeks of violent demonstrations.