Egypt's Interim President Swears In New Cabinet
by VOA News July 16, 2013
Egypt's military-backed interim leaders have sworn in the country's first Cabinet since the army ousted Islamist President Mohamed Morsi almost two weeks ago in response to mass demonstrations against him.
Tuesday's developments came after overnight clashes between security forces and supporters of Morsi left seven people dead and more than 260 injured.
The interim Cabinet includes seven holdovers from the previous administration, including the army chief who ousted Morsi - Abdel Fattah el Sissi - as defense minister and deputy prime minister. Three female ministers were appointed, filling the health, information and environment portfolios.
Liberal politician Mounir Fakhry Abdel Nour, a Christian, was sworn in as interim trade and industry minister.
A spokesman for Egypt's interim president said authorities expected Islamist movements, including Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood, to join in national reconciliation efforts. But senior Brotherhood officials say they will not cease their protests seeking the return of Morsi as president.
Authorities arrested more than 400 people near Cairo's central Ramses Square following the overnight fighting.
The violence came on the last night of a two-day visit by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State William Burns, the first senior Washington official to arrive in Cairo since the army takeover.
After meeting with leaders of the military-installed interim government, Burns said the United States will not try to impose its model of democracy on Egypt, and that it recognizes only Egyptians can determine their future.
The U.S. administration has been criticized both by Morsi supporters and opponents for what each side has perceived as support for the other.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
