Egyptian prime minister reshuffles cabinet

17 July 2011

Foreign minister resigns and two deputy prime ministers are appointed

Egypt’s Prime Minister Essam Sharaf has reshuffled the cabinet in response to continuing protests in Tahrir Square.

Foreign Minister Mohammed al-Orabi has resigned and two new deputy prime ministers have been appointed.

Al-Orabi, who is stepping down due to ties with ex-president Hosni Mubarak, served for less than one month as foreign minister.

The new deputy prime ministers are Hazem el-Beblawi, a 74-year-old economist, and Ali al-Silmi, the leader of Egypt’s Wafd party.

The protesters are calling for all corrupt officials who served under Mubarak to be arrested and tried. According to state media, up to 15 ministers are expected to be replaced in the reshuffle.

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