Egyptian President Mohammed Mursi retires two of the country's top Generals

Egyptian President Mohammed Mursi says his decision to order the retirement of two of the country's top Generals was for the benefit of the nation.

He was speaking after replacing the powerful Head of the Armed Forces, Field Marshal Mohamad Hussein Tantawi, and Chief of staff, Sami Annan.

Mr. Mursi also said a constitutional declaration aimed at curbing presidential powers has been cancelled.

Mr. Mursi, who was elected in June, is a member of the Muslim Brotherhood. 

Relations between Islamists and the military have been increasingly tense since the fall of President Hosni Mubarak last year amid mass street protests.

BBC