Outgoing housing minister to lead Egypt's new cabinet

CAIRO - Outgoing Housing Minister Ibrahim Mahlab said on Tuesday he had been asked to form a new government, the state-run Ahram website said.

"The president of the republic asked me officially to form the new cabinet," Mahlab was quoted as saying.

Mahlab would immediately begin consultations, Ahram said, predicting the new line-up is likely to be announced on Saturday.

Egypt's interim government under Prime Minister Hazem al- Beblawi tendered its resignation on Monday.

Beblawi's cabinet took office last July, following the ouster of Islamist-oriented president Mohamed Morsi by the military after nationwide protests against his one-year rule.