Egypt's new cabinet sworn in

There were 14 new members in the cabinet. Ministers of foreign affairs, finance, health, industry and trade, religious endowment, civil aviation, military production, higher education, communications, transport, agriculture, irrigation, local development and public enterprises were newly appointed.

The Antiquities Ministry was annulled in the reshuffle. The ministers of interior and justice, whom some youth groups urged to be sacked, were not changed.

In a televised speech late on Thursday, Prime Minister Essam Sharaf said: "Our first objective is to achieve the revolution's goals and preserve its gains.

He stressed the government will make it a top priority to improve security situation.

The prime minister also pledged to guarantee the minimum wages, maintain justice in the trials, achieve democratic transition and pave the way for integral and free elections. These have been among the major demands of protestors.

After the swearing-in, Tantawi held a meeting with all the 27 old and new ministers under Prime Minister Essam Sharaf.

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