FILE - In this Wednesday, April 24, 2013 file photo, Egyptian Defense Minister Gen. Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi salutes during an arrival ceremony for U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel at the Ministry of Defense in Cairo. Egypt’s state TV said Monday, Jan. 27, 2014 that the country’s Interim President issued a presidential decision, promoting the powerful army chief who led the July coup removed Islamist president from power, to the top military rank of marshal.(AP Photo/Jim Watson, Pool, File)
January 27, 2014 - 3:11 AM
CAIRO - State television says Egypt's interim president has promoted the country's powerful army chief who led the July 3 coup that ousted the nation's Islamist president to the top military rank of marshal.
Interim President Adly Mansour's decision, announced Monday, comes amid heated speculation that Gen. Abdel-Fatah el-Sissi will step down to become a candidate in Egypt's coming presidential elections, set to take place before the end of April.
El-Sissi has yet to publicly announce his intentions but he enjoys wide popularity among many Egyptians who see him as a saviour after removing Islamist President Mohammed Morsi after millions took to the streets demanding him to step down.
News from © The Associated Press, 2014