Egypt PM to appoint deputy from "wise men" council

Egypt's vice-president told the prime minister on Friday to appoint a deputy premier from a council of "wise men" who have been in talks with the government to find a way out of the country's crisis.

The state news agency said Vice President Omar Suleiman had asked Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq to appoint a deputy prime minister who would take responsibility for "a national dialogue" with opposition forces and independent figures. (Reuters)