Egyptian information chief resigns

Protests in Maspero call for free press Cairo - Al Sayed Khalaf Allah Egyptian Information Minister Salah Abdel-Maksoud has resigned, as protests continue to halt work at Cairo’s iconic state media Maspero building. The minister’s resignation comes amid rumours he could lose his job as part of President Mohammed Morsi’s upcoming cabinet reshuffle, set for Monday. Abdel-Maksoud reportedly collected his personal items after consulting with Prime Minister Hisham Kandil. Renowned journalist Amr Laithi has refused an offer to replace Abdel-Maksoud, claiming he is too busy with two television programmes and editorial positions on Egypt’s Khamis newspaper. Rumours are now surrounding fellow journalist Kotb al-Araby as a potential ministerial replacement. Workers at Egypt’s state media institution, the Maspero building, have continued strikes against perceived interference and negligence by the ruling Muslim Brotherhood. On Sunday, media staff demonstrated outside the building, on Cairo’s Nile cornice, dressed in their pyjamas in response to reduce 60 percent of owed financial dues in attempts to settle Maspero’s spending budget. Workers have demanded state media represent the people, free of government interference and editorial control. Maspero has been the site of regular protests since Egypt’s January 25 Revolution toppled former President Hosni Mubarak.