Bahrain's king reshuffles cabinet
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Bahraini authorities officially announced on Saturday a limited cabinet reshuffle as pressure continues to mount on the government from anti-government protestors.
Bahrain news agency stated that King Hamad bin Isa Al Khaifa issued Royal Decree 14 for 2011 of a reshuffle in four ministries, namely labor, health, cabinet affairs and housing.
Labor minister Majeed Al Alawi, a Shiite, was appointed as the new housing minister, while labor ministry assistant under- secretary Jameel Humaidan was promoted to be the labor minister.
Health minister Faisal Al Hamer, who came under intense pressure by protestors for mishandling the entire situation during the unrest since Feb. 14 was removed from his post.
His portfolio was given to Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Nizar Al Baharna, a Shiite, who was appointed as the new health minister.
Shaikh Ahmed bin Atiyatallah Al Khalifa, Minister for Cabinet Affairs is the only member of the royal family covered under the reshuffle, His portfolio was handed to Kamal Ahmad Mohammed Ahmad, Chief Executive Officer of the Economic Development Board (EDB).
The Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who initiated the national dialogue with anti- government protestors is the EDB Chairman. King Hamad appointed Oil and Gas Affairs Minister Abdul Hussain Mirza as the Minister of Energy.
This newly created energy ministry will now cover the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) and the National Oil and Gas Authority (NOGA). Following the announcement on Saturday, a press conference held by National Unity Gathering refused the cabinet reshuffle decision.
Back on the Pearl Roundabout, protestors continued their demand for the resignation of the entire cabinet, that should be replaced by the individuals elected by citizens.
