CAIRO: Secrecy continues to surround Egypt's expected cabinet reshuffle as Prime Minister Essam Sharaf tries to avoid leaking any information before the official announcement. Sources close to the prime minister confirmed that Sharaf made his advisors take an oath not to answer any questions if they are asked about the reshuffle. One told Youm7, “We swore an oath not to say anything about the reshuffle, so don't try because I won't say anything.” Sharaf began meeting with potential new ministers today as a prelude to the official announcement. Mohamed Hegazy, the government's official spokesman, said the announcement will not be later than Monday. He indicated that the prime minister may make the announcement before then. Sharaf met with economic expert Hazem Beblawy today. It is the second meeting between the two at the Council of Ministries. According to a source who asked not to be named, the past few days have witnessed both acceptance and rejection of potential ministers. The source said many names have been considered for the post of minister of finance, adding that many candidates have turned down the offer because they did not draw up the budget for the new fiscal year. Youm7 learned that the deputy minister of defense for armament affairs, Gen. Mohamed al-Assar, has been suggested to head the Ministry of Military Production in place of current Minister Sayyed Meshaal. Meshaal selection for the position raised many questions among demonstrators and various political powers and movements.
