Egyptian government resigns ahead of presidential polls
The military-installed government of Egyptian Prime Minister Hazem al-Beblawi announces resignation
The interim Egyptian prime minister has said his government has resigned, paving the way for army chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to declare his candidacy for president.
Prime Minister Hazem el-Beblawi says government offers its resignation, without giving clear reason for the decision.
"Today the cabinet took a decision to offer its resignation to the president of the republic," Hazem el-Beblawi said in a televised statement on Monday.
Government spokesman Hany Saleh told AFP news agency that Monday's decision was taken because there was a "feeling that new blood is needed".
Egypt's interim president, Adly Mansour, asked Beblawi to run the government's affairs until a new prime minister was selected, the state-run al-Ahram news website said.
Sisi unveiled a political roadmap meant to lead to elections after toppling Morsi, the country's first democratically elected president.
Morsi's removal triggered the bloodiest political crisis in Egypt's modern history, with security forces killing hundreds of his supporters and jailing thousands.
Hundreds of security personnel have also died in the turmoil.
Last Update: February 25, 2014 00:11