EGYPT’S RULING PARTY TO DISCUSS CABINET RESHUFFLE WITH OPPOSITION
“The party hopes to reach consensus in the meeting, and would consider the Nour Party and NSF’s proposals regarding the Cabinet and Abdallah’s dismissal,” Helmy al-Gazzar, a leader in the FJP, told Al-Masry Al-Youm, according to Egypt Independent reports monitored by Mi’raj News Agency (MINA).
“The FJP would consider the opposition’s demands if they found them to serve the best interests of the nation,” added FJP chief Saad al-Katatny.
The party would be ready to remove Prime Minister Hesham Qandil if all parties reached a consensus on a replacement with the necessary qualifications to save the country’s struggling economy, said an FJP source.
He added that Katatny is trying to convince NSF figures to take part in the upcoming parliamentary elections, which NSF had previously declared it would boycott the elections.
Previously, the FJP is negotiating a cabinet reshuffle with the National Salvation Front, sources from both groups said last Wednesday.
Negotiations are focused on forming an efficient, neutral cabinet headed by an independent figure and also revolve around key points including the dismissal of the country’s top prosecutor and the drafting of a parliamentary elections law that ensures integrity, the sources said.
According to an FJP source, the opposition coalition National Salvation Front nominated Arab League Secretary General Nabil al-Araby for prime minister. Araby, meanwhile, reportedly said in an interview with Al-Hayat channel program Al-Mawdoua that he was offered the post but refused. The interview is scheduled to be aired Thursday evening.(T/P03/E1)
Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)
