25-11-2024 01:17 AM Jerusalem Timing

Tantawi Defense Minister in New Egyptian Cabinet

Tantawi Defense Minister in New Egyptian Cabinet

Egypt’s ruling army said it would not revoke a constitutional amendment supporting it rule of the country, adding that the head of the military forces Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi would serve as the next cabinet’s defense ministe

Egypt’s ruling army said it would not revoke a constitutional amendment supporting it rule of the country, adding that the head of the military forces Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi would serve as the next cabinet's defense minister.tantawi

Speaking on Wednesday, spokesman for the Supreme Military Council Mohamed Assar said the military did not intend to revoke the constitutional amendment giving them effective ruling power over Egypt.

Assar also added that Tantawi, former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's longtime military chief, would serve as defense minister on the forming cabinet, making him commander of the country's armed forces.

However the spokesman said that the military council would hand power to the new President Mohammad Mursi, the candidate of Muslim Brotherhood, on June 30.

Under the power of the constitutional amendment, the military council will still retain legislative powers while yielding powers to Mursi, at least until a new parliament is chosen.

Earlier this month, judges appointed by Mubarak before his ouster ruled to dissolve the Brotherhood dominated parliament on the grounds that the law governing its election some six months ago breached the principle of equality.