"I was shocked and surprised," said former Education Minister Yousri el-Gamal on a TV show, commenting on his dismissal for failing to avert the spread of the H1N1 virus in schools. "I wish I could have served two more years to complete my plans."
"Swine flu is the responsibility of the Health Ministry," said el-Gamal. "Perhaps this is why Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif called me two days after I left to thank me for my achievements."
Speaking on alleged financial violations by some of his advisers managing funds from the European Union, el-Gamal said, "I fully trust my advisors. Everything was done in full transparency and we have nothing to hide."
On his future plans, the former minister said he was happy to return to his original position as a university professor.
Translated from the Arabic Edition.
