Egypt army decree hands some powers to premier

Egypt's army rulers issued a decree on Wednesday handing presidential powers to Prime Minister Kamal al-Ganzouri but kept control of military affairs and the judiciary, the official news agency said.  

The military, in charge since leader Hosni Mubarak was overthrown in February in a popular uprising, has been under pressure to speed a promised transition to civilian rule.  

It appointed Ganzouri after the former cabinet resigned last month during clashes between police and protesters demanding that the army step aside. Ganzouri said on Tuesday he expected to be granted broader powers than his predecessor.  

Egypt's new cabinet was sworn in before the head of the ruling army council on Wednesday, state television reported, after successive delays as Prime Minister Kamal al-Ganzouri struggled to form a competent team with enough public support.    

The country's military rulers brought veteran politician Ganzouri out of retirement to lead a new interim government nearly two weeks ago. Its predecessor resigned during clashes between police and protesters demanding the army quit power.    

He named an interior minister on Wednesday, rounding off the key appointments to the new cabinet which will face the dual challenges of restoring security to the restive nation and reversing an economic slump.