The Egyptian premier said that he would not rule out positions for the Muslim Brotherhood in the new government.
“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,” Hazem al-Beblawi – who appointed on Tuesday – told AFP. “I’m taking two criteria for the next government. Efficiency and credibility.”
“So far I haven't approached anyone,” the PM said, adding he wanted to decide on the best candidates before asking them to join the cabinet.
The country’s new leadership was looking to accelerate efforts to form a new cabinet on Thursday as authorities sought to arrest Islamist leader Mohammed Badie, who is supporting ousted President Mohammed Morsi.
The Muslim Brotherhood – from which Morsi hails – turned down Beblawi’s offer to take part in the new government, and called for a mass rally on Friday against what it said was a “bloody military coup.”
The army earlier this month ousted Morsi and dissolved the Islamist-drafted constitution after the country saw millions take to the streets and demand that the president resign.
