MORSI TO REPLACE SIX MINISTERS IN EGYPTIAN CABINET RESHUFFLE

Cairo, 22 Jumadil Akhir 1434/2 May 2013 (MINA) – A government source said Egypt’s cabinet reshuffle will see six ministers replaced. “President Morsi had intended to replace ten ministers, but the number was trimmed to six because he could not persuade enough replacements to join his cabinet,” the unnamed source said.

The source added the difficulty in finding replacement ministers is also why the reshuffle was delayed.

The media reported the new ministers, who could be sworn in next Tuesday, are expected to be those of justice, legal and prosecution affairs, culture, agriculture, planning and international cooperation, as well as one of the economic portfolio ministries, added the source.

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Prime Minister Hisham Qandil, criticised by the opposition as ineffectual, will keep his job in the limited reshuffle, the presidency said last week.

Egypt’s opposition has long demanded Qandil and his cabinet be replaced, Ahram reported as monitored by Mi’raj News Agency (MINA).

Justice Minister Ahmed Mekki resigned on 21 April in advance of the reshuffle in which he was expected to be replaced.

The presidential office is also expected to announce members of its legal and judicial team shortly, an informed source close to the presidency said on Wednesday. It is expected to include 16 academics and law professors, along with judges.(T/P03/E1)

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Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)