Dramatic Event In Egypt: Morsi Sacks Defense Minister
The standoff between the Egyptian presidency and the armed forces continues. Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi, Egypt’s Minister of Defense and the Chief of Army Major Sami Anan have retired following a decision by Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, reported Sunday the official MENA news agency. The New Defense Minister is Abdel Fattah al-Sissi, , chief of service of military intelligence, according to state television.
Morsi also decided to cancel the constitutional decree published by the army before his election, which gave expanded powers to the military.
Tantawi chaired the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), which was ruling the country after the downfall of the Mubarak regime and the ahead of the elections that led the Muslim Brotherhood to power. At the age of 76, Tantawi has served as minister since 1991.
According to state television, it will be replaced by General Abdel Fattah Al-SisiMr. Morsi also announced the retirement of Chief of Staff of the Army, Sami Anan , number 2 of SCAF. At the same time, he appointed a vice-president, Judge Mahmoud Mekki , who becomes only the second man to this position in 30 years.
