11.   In the new line-up, Shaker kept the defence portfolio and Abdel Karim Kabariti, an independent deputy, was appointed foreign minister.

12.   But she faces a political hurdle because Wijetunga, who now represents the opposition, holds onto the key defence portfolio.

13.   But Wajed is bitter that Biswas has retained the key defence ministry portfolio, and suggests he is not a neutral head of state.

14.   Chi, who holds the military rank of a general, will meet with Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, who holds the defence portfolio, on Monday.

15.   Delucena expressed the wish during a meeting in Tel Aviv with Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin who also holds the defence portfolio, ministry spokesman Dan Weinreich said.

16.   Fahim said he would prefer to keep the defence portfolio because his faction had more soldiers to fight the Taliban and al-Qaeda.

17.   Former Minister of State Adminstration Aguiar Mazula got the defence portfolio, while former vice minister of planning Tomas Salamao was named finance minister.

18.   The parliament is expected to elect Meles as prime minister, shifting the current prime minister, Tamerat Layne, to take over the defence portfolio.

19.   The press has speculated that he could be given the defence portfolio which Rabin himself holds, the interior ministry or become minister without portfolio with special defence duties.

20.   Wathelet had only held the defence portfolio since the new government took over at the end of June.