Egypt: President Retires Field Marshal Tantawi, Cancels New Constitutional Military Powers

Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi has retired Field Marshal Mohamed Tantawi, the head of the country’s Supreme Military Council and Chief of Staff Sami Annan. Morsi also canceled constitutional amendments giving the military wide powers.

Spokesman Yasser Ali has said the changes among the country’s top brass are effective immediately.

Tantawi was the commander-in-chief of the Egyptian Armed Forces, as well as the chairman of the Supreme Council of Armed Forces.

He was Egypt’s de-facto head of state from the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak last February until the inauguration of President Morsi on June 30.

President Morsi has already appointed Sedqi Subhy as new army chief of staff, and Abdelfattah Assisi as the new defense minister.

Morsi has also named judge Mahmud Mekki as the vice president – the second time this post has been filled in Egypt in 30 years, AFP reports.

The first vice president, spy chief Omar Suleiman, was appointed by ex-leader Hosni Mubarak, just days before his ouster.

President Morsi, who was elected in June, has also annulled the constitutional amendments made before he was sworn in.

These amendments made by the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) largely extended the military’s powers in Egypt, while limiting those of the presidency.

The changes included appointing the military leaders and extending their terms in office.