Egypt’s new prime minister said Thursday that, yes, he would consider key government appointments for members of the Muslim Brotherhood, despite the military coup and ouster of Brotherhood-backed President Mohammed Morsi.
Prime Minister Hazem el-Biblawi was appointed on Tuesday and is still trying to decide who will serve in several key government spots.
“I don’t look at political association,” he said, as Agence France-Presse reported. “If someone is named from [the Brotherhood’s] Freedom and Justice Party, if he is qualified for the post,” then he will be considered. “I’m taking two criteria for the next government: Efficiency and credibility.”
Islamists loyal to Mr. Morsi aren’t exactly receptive to the idea, NDTV reported.
“We do not deal with putschists,” said Brotherhood spokesman Tareq al-Morsi, as NDTV reported. “We reject all that comes from this coup.”
The prime minister said he hasn’t yet “approached anyone,” NDTV reported.
SEE ALSO: Egyptians direct anger at U.S. ambassador accused of aiding Morsi
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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