Hosni Mubarak names first vice president in new Egyptian government


EGYPTIAN intelligence chief Omar Suleiman was sworn in as vice president on Saturday, the state news agency reported, the first such post to be held in Hosni Mubarak's 30-year presidency.
"Omar Suleiman has been sworn in as deputy to President Hosni Mubarak," state news agency MENA reported.


Shortly afterwards, state television showed images of Suleiman taking the oath of office in front of Mubarak, who is facing a fifth day of violent demonstrations calling for him to go.

Mubarak has steadfastly refused to name a vice president since he came to power in 1981.

Suleiman has been in charge of some of Egypt's most sensitive foreign policy issues, including the Palestinian-Israeli peace process and inter-Palestinian divisions.

His appointment as vice president answers one of the most intriguing and most enduring political questions in Egypt: who would succeed the 82-year-old Mubarak?

Like Mubarak, Suleiman has a military background. The powerful military has provided Egypt with its four presidents since the monarchy was toppled nearly 60 years ago.


Share/Bookmark

0 comments:

Post a Comment

 

Who's Online

Online Readers:

Designed ByWorld Latest Breaking News Copyright 2010