Arab League chooses Egyptian as its new leader

CAIRO - The Arab League has chosen a new chief after Egypt switched candidates at the last minute to avert a divisive vote for a post that is usually determined by consensus.

The 22-member Arab organization on Sunday endorsed Egypt's current foreign minister, Nabil Elaraby, to replace Amr Moussa, whose term expired and who is planning to run for president of Egypt. Moussa, 74, held the Arab League post for a decade.

The Arab League secretary-general's post has traditionally been held by Egypt, home of the league's headquarters. But this year, Egypt and Qatar both put candidates forward.