Foreign ministry sources have dismissed rumours of an impending reshuffle of Egyptian diplomats stationed abroad, noting the critical juncture through which the country is currently passing, especially in light of looming parliamentary polls slated for later this year.

There is nevertheless a degree of uncertainty regarding the fate of some long-serving ambassadors stationed in major Western capitals - including Paris and Washington - whose tenures will expire by the end of 2011.

Following Egypt's recent revolution, a number of activists and political groups had issued calls for a reshuffle of Egypt's foreign service with the aim of purging it of Mubarak-era diplomats.