Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Tuesday named General Hamdi Weheiba, until now head of the presidential guard, as the new chief of staff for the country's armed forces, the Egyptian MENA news agency reported, cited by AFP.
The former chief of staff, General Magdi Hatata, has been appointed president of a state firm, the Arab Military Industry Authority, MENA said.
Mubarak has decorated Hatata with the highest Egyptian honor, added the agency. Meanwhile, the new head of the presidential guard has not yet been named.
Mubarak, who ascended to power after a long career in the military, depends on his top brass to run various civilian affairs in the country after they leave the service.
Many of the governors and local administrators in the country are ex-officers. The defense and interior ministries are also headed by two senior officers: General Mohammad Tantawi, and the former head of intelligence Habib Al Adli, respectively – Albawaba.com
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