CAIRO: The Syndicate of Scientists welcomed the selection of two of its members to fill ministerial posts in the new government of Prime Minister Kamal el-Ghanzouri. Dr. Nadia Zachary was appointed Minister of State for Scientific Research and Dr. Mustafa Hussein was appointed Minister of State for Environmental Affairs. The syndicate highlighted in a statement the importance of investment of efforts and possibilities of scientists in different fields to overcome environmental crises and dangers, in addition to creating a strategy to support scientific research foundations and research centers to advance Egypt economically and socially. In the statement, science professor Dr. Mustafa Kamel Bahaa al-Din said that the minister of environment will have serious files to deal with. Among these will be the Mobecco Factory crisis, the problem of garbage and recycling, foreign projects working in environment in Egypt, the “black cloud” case, and industrial pollutants that throw their waste into the Nile River. Al-Din said scientists have the research and studies that enable them to avoid these problems and suggest solutions for them. He added that the most important file remains the effects of climate change on Egypt and creating solutions to avoid their negative effects that threaten the disappearance of more than 12 percent of Egypt's Delta region, and searching for alternative and renewable energy. He said the amount of water per person is decreasing and the reserves of petrol are about to be finished. The statement said the Ministry of Environment faces the most difficulties. Among these are its budget, which is only 120 million EGP (U.S. $20 million), with 90 million allocated to the ministry and 30 million for the Scientific Research Academy that in
