RIYADH, Nov 15: In an apparent response to the sentencing of two Egyptian doctors in Saudi Arabia, Cairo has barred Egyptian doctors from signing employment contracts in Saudi Arabia.

Despite the close political links between Riyadh and Cairo and the Egyptian economic interests here in Riyadh, the move was apparently aimed at appeasing enraged protesters calling for a freeze in diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Ghiet has already assigned Ambassador Ahmed Rizk from the Egyptian foreign ministry to follow up on the matter with Saudi officials.

Mona Mina, an Egyptian paediatrician, expressed mixed feelings about the government’s decision. “It is a good start. It is a way of responding,” said Mina, “but it is not enough. We want the highest level of Egyptian diplomacy to interfere.”

“This incident constitutes an affront to the Egyptian State and to the dignity of all Egyptians,” added Mina.

Saudi Arabia recently sentenced two Egyptian doctors to 15 and 20 years in jail and 1,500 lashes each. The verdict has been condemned by Egyptian doctors and the media. Both doctors worked for private hospitals in Saudi Arabia.