CAIRO: Egyptian Prime Minister Essam Sharaf retracted appointing Dr. Abdel Fattah el-Banna as Minister of Antiquities as a response to the demands of the mass of demonstrators. Those who work in the archeological field were in opposition to Dr. el-Banna's appointment. Archeologists decided to stage a strike and the board of directors of the Museum of Islamic Art board resigned over appointing el-Banna. As for archeologists in Luxor, they threatened to stage a strike over appointing el-Banna since he is not one of archeologists. A source said Sharaf is currently discussing the matter with Secretary General of the Supreme Council, Dr. Mohamed Abdel Maksoud, and considering the effects of this resolution. There is a possible transformation of the ministry to a national authority affiliated to the Council of Ministers, or postponing the announcement of thee ministers until a replacement from the ministry. Through consultations of the Council of Ministers informed sources, four names of candidates for the Ministry of State were put forward; the current Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Dr. Mohamed Abdel Maksoud; former Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Dr. Abdel Halim Nour el-Din; Dean Faculty of Archaeology of Cairo University, Dr. Raafat Alenberoay; former Dean of the Faculty of Archaeology, Dr. Alaa Shaheen. They names were nominated by the Ministry before the re-appointment of former Minister of Antiquities Zahi Hawass. Details will be mentioned about the meeting between Sharaf and Abdel Maksoud, which is still taking place.
