ElBaradei sworn in as Egypt's interim VP

CAIRO - Prominent liberal politician Mohamed ElBaradei was sworn in on Sunday as Egypt's vice-president for international relations in the interim government, official news agency MENA reported.

Leading the main opposition bloc during the rule of ousted President Mohamed Morsi, ElBaradei was nominated last week as prime minister in the transitional period, but his choice was opposed by Islamists.

ElBaradei served as director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) from 1997 to 2009 and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005 jointly with the IAEA.

Earlier on Sunday, the Egyptian presidency said interim Prime Minister Hazem al-Beblawi has started consultations with a number of nominees for various ministerial portfolios.

It said that former ambassador to Washington Nabil Fahmy has accepted the post of interim foreign minister.

Local media said the cabinet line-up will be announced Tuesday.