Egyptian PM Ahmed Shafiq resigns

CAIRO. March 4. KAZINFORM Egypt's Supreme Council of the Armed Forces decided Thursday to accept caretaker Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq's resignation, and the caretaker government will remain until the formation of the new one under Essam Sharaf, said cabinet spokesman Magdi Radi; Kazinform refers to China Daily.

In press statements, Radi said Sharaf is now holding consultations at the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces to form a new government, according to Egypt's MENA news agency.

The new government is expected to include some ministers who were in the caretaker government, MENA said.

Joy and relief overwhelmed the crowds gathering in Tahrir Square in downtown Cairo following the announcement of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces to accept the resignation of Shafiq and assign Sharaf to form a new government.

With renewed confidence in the Armed Forces and longing for the stability of the country, the crowds chanted slogans like "The people and the Army are one hand."

The protesters also voiced their confidence in Sharaf and his ability to form a new government that could lead Egypt to development in the coming phase; Kazinform cites China Daily.

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