Monday, January 21, 2013

Egypt's Ex-VP Named Ambassador to the Vatican

Morsi appoints his vice as Vatican embassadorEgypt's president has appointed his former deputy as the country's ambassador to the Vatican.

Mahmoud Mekki's appointment came in a brief statement issued Thursday by President Mohammed Morsi's office.

A career judge, Mekki resigned last month shortly before a new constitution that eliminated the vice presidency was ratified in a nationwide referendum. 

The timing of his resignation suggested it may have been motivated by differences with the Morsi administration.

Mekki has publicly said he had "reservations" over several decrees, since rescinded, that had given Morsi nearly unrestricted powers.

In his resignation letter he said that five months in office showed him that politics did not suit his background in the judiciary.

He has since been chairing a "national dialogue" forum called by Morsi to iron out differences between political forces.