Egyptian government resigns

Egypt's military-backed interim government has resigned, Prime Minister Hazem Beblawi has announced. Mr Beblawi gave no reason for the decision in his televised statement. The state-run al-Ahram newspaper, citing unnamed sources, reported that outgoing Housing Minister Ibrahim Mihlib was expected to succeed him. Mr Beblawi was appointed prime minister in July after the military overthrew President Mohammed Morsi following mass protests against his one-year rule. Al-Ahram said the cabinet's decision to submit its resignation to interim President Adly Mansour was made after a meeting attended by the armed forces chief and Defence Minister, Field Marshal Abdul Fattah al-Sisi. According to the new constitution approved in January, an election must take place by mid-April, according to BBC.