meganjhonson: Egypt's Interim President Swears In New Government

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Egypt's Interim President Swears In New Government

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.

A firework fired by opponents of ousted President Mohamed Morsi explodes during clashes in downtown Cairo, July 15, 2013.
Egyptian riot police and opponents of ousted President Mohamed Morsi run towards pro-Morsi supporters, seen in the background, during clashes on a bridge in downtown Cairo, July 15, 2013.
Egyptian security forces fire tear gas towards supporters of ousted President Mohamed Morsi during clashes in downtown Cairo, July 15, 2013.
Supporters of Egypt's ousted President Mohamed Morsi block Giza square during a march near Cairo University, where protesters have been camped out, Cairo, July 15, 2013.
A member of the Muslim Brotherhood and supporter of ousted Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi cools people off during afternoon prayers at the Rabaa Adawiya square in Cairo, July 15, 2013.
A Morsi supporter arranges flags for sale in Nasr city, Cairo, July 15, 2013.
A supporter of ousted Egyptian president Mohammed Morsi attaches a poster at a blocked road linked to the Republican Guard building in Cairo, Egypt, July 15, 2013.
An Egyptian soldier keeps watch from atop a military vehicle in front of the presidential palace in Cairo, July 14, 2013.
This handout photo shows Mohamed ElBaradei being sworn in as Egypt's interim vice president for foreign relations, in front of Egypt's interim president Adly Mansour, Cairo, July 14, 2013.
A man carrying a water container on his head walks in front of a wall filled with graffiti depicting deposed Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi with a message reading "Leave", at Tahrir Square, Cairo, July 14, 2013.
Members of the Muslim Brotherhood and supporters of deposed Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi hold up masks of him as they gather at the Rabaa Adawiya square, where they are camping, in Cairo, July 13, 2013.