Egypt PM Doesn’t Rule out Posts for Brotherhood in New Gov’t

Egypt’s Prime Minister-designate Hazem al-Beblawi didn’t rule out on Thursday role for the Muslim Brotherhood in a new cabinet, if the candidates were suitably qualified.

“I don’t look at political association … If someone is named from (the Brotherhood’s) Freedom and Justice Party, if he is qualified for the post” he may be considered, Beblawi told AFP in a telephone interview.

“I’m taking two criteria for the next government. Efficiency and credibility,” he added.

Beblawi, who was appointed on Tuesday, said he was still considering who would comprise the interim government after the ouster of embattled president Mohammad Mursi by the army.

State media had quoted an aide to interim president Adly Mansour saying Beblawi would offer Mursi’s Muslim Brotherhood some posts in the new government.
The offer has already been rejected by the party, who demands Mursi’s reinstatement.

“So far I haven’t approached anyone,” Beblawi added, explaining he wanted to decide on the best candidates before asking them to join the government.