The imminent cabinet reshuffle might include a new appointment as deputy prime minister but Prime Minister Hesham Qandil will remain in place, the presidency announced Wednesday. Presidential spokesperson Ehab Fahmy also denied reports that either Pakinam El Sharkawy, President Mohamed Morsi's assistant for political affairs, or Essam Haddad, his assistant for foreign affairs, would be named deputy prime minister. Fahmy also reaffirmed Morsi's respect for the judiciary and his intention to end the crisis between judges and the Shura Council following the Al-Wasat Party's proposals to amend the Judiciary Law. “The president will undeniably reject any attempt at undermining the independence of the judiciary," Fahmy told reporters in the ItihadiyaPalace, adding that Morsi would hold a meeting with judges very soon after he met with the Supreme Judicial Council on Tuesday. Fahmy said Morsi is sure the legislative and judiciary branches would respect the independence of one another and that the issue of the Judiciary Law would be resolved. The president had met the Supreme Judicial Council on Tuesday and told judges they have his full confidence and respect and that he would perform his constitutional duties of protecting their independence, a presidency statement revealed. The president also approved the council's suggestion to hold a “Justice Conference" tasked with discussing the problems facing the judiciary.
