Tantawi to remain as Egypt defence minister: Qandil

CAIRO, Aug 2, 2012 (AFP) –

Egypt’s military chief, Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi, will remain as defence minister, a post he held under ex-president Hosni Mubarak, in the new cabinet announced on Thursday, said Prime Minister
Hisham Qandil.

Tantawi ruled the country after Mubarak’s ouster early last year, before handing power to Islamist President Mohamed Morsi following his election in June.

Tantawi will “retain his position as defence minister in the new government,” Qandil told a press conference.

The military retains broad powers, including legislative authority, even after it transfered control to Morsi.