Military council won't leave before 30 June, says Egypt PM

Ahram Online, Wednesday 8 Feb 2012

Prime Minister Kamal El-Ganzouri says ruling military council has no plans to step down before 30 June, prosecution of 43 NGO workers will continue despite US threats to withdraw aid

Egyptian new Prime Minister Kamal Ganzouri (Photo: Reuters)

Egypt’s Prime Minister Kamal El-Ganzouri told a press conference on Wednesday that the ruling military council will hand over power on 30 June and no earlier.

The announcement follows weeks of protests demanding the council immediately hand over power to a civilian authority.

Ganzouri stressed that the council would stick to its schedule and lead Egypt’s transition period until 30 June.

The PM also emphasised that the council's political roadmap to civilian rule would begin on 10 March with the opening of the presidential candidacy registration process.

At around the same date, the council is planning to name the constituent assembly members, who are tasked with drafting Egypt’s new constitution, added Ganzouri.

In reference to the indictment of 43 civil society workers on charges of violating Egypt's non-governmental organisation registration laws, Ganzouri said the case would proceed even if it strains Egypt's relationship with the US and threatens aid payments. Those facing charges include US, European and Egyptian nationals.