Defense minister, Egyptian president scheduled to meet Sunday

           Defense Minister Ehud Barak will be traveling to Egypt on Sunday for a meeting with President Hosni Mubarak. Among other issues, the two leaders are expected to discuss the efforts to release abducted IDF soldier Gilad Shalit. Meanwhile, the International Red Cross again urged Hamas to allow regular contact between Shalit and his family. On Wednesday, Gilad Shalit's mother, Aviva, told students that she hopes her son's mention in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent speech is an indication of the PM's intention to achieve progress on the issue. "Gilad's return home as soon as possible must be advanced, as every day in captivity is a nightmare," she said. Earlier, former United States President Jimmy Carter handed over a letter written by Shalit's parents to senior Hamas officials so that they transfer it to the abducted soldier. Hamas sources said they will comply with the request. (22,37)