Friday - January 28, 2011

Cairo Capitulates?

Breaking News:

By JPOST.COM STAFF
01/29/2011 00:44 [ 5:44pm Eastern Time ]

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak made his first public statement since anti-government protests began four days ago. He said he is aware of the problems faced by Egyptian people, called for order and announced that the government will be replaced on Saturday.

Mubarak said that the Egyptian people’s goals cannot be achieved through violence or chaos, they can only be achieved by national dialogue and concerted efforts.

“In my capacity as president of the republic, I always stressed and continue to reiterate that sovereignty belongs to the people.” However, he continued, “There is a fine line separating freedom from chaos.”

He said that he has been monitoring the protests and the demands of the people, adding that he “regrets the innocent casualties and victims,” both civilians and policemen.

However, the Egyptian president warned that “our plans to combat unemployment and provide more educational services, healthcare and housing, will remain conditional on our efforts to maintain Egypt’s security.”

That ought to hold things down for a few hours I would think. Let’s see what happens.

Or maybe not. Turns out that “a new government” merely means “a new cabinet”, with good old Mubarak still in charge! Meet the new boss, same as the old boss!

[Updated 5:31 p.m. (0031 in Egypt)] Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak says he has asked the government to resign, and that he will appoint a new government Saturday. He gave no indication that he would step down or leave the country.

[Updated 5:27 p.m. (0027 in Egypt)] President Hosni Mubarak said he is “on the side of the people” and vowed to take steps to guarantee the rights and freedom of Egyptians, develop job opportunities and to “stand by the poor.”

He said early Saturday he sees a fine line “between freedom and chaos” and that he would work to secure both freedom and security in Egypt.

“I assure you that I’m working for the people and giving freedom… as long as you’re respecting the law,” he said.

“I am absolutely on the side of the freedom of each citizen and at the same time I am on the side of the security of Egypt, and I would not let anything dangerous happen that would threaten the peace and the law and the future of the country.”

Protesters in the streets of Cairo are calling for Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to leave, chanting in unison “we don’t want him.” The people in the streets represent all walks of life, from young people to families with children, CNN’s Frederik Pleitgen reports.

CAIRO—Embattled President Hosni Mubarak says he has asked his Cabinet to resign in his first appearance on television since protests erupted demanding his ouster.

He says he will press ahead with social, economic and political reforms. He calls anti-government protests part of plot to destabilize Egypt and destroy the legitimacy of his regime.

He is defending security forces’ crackdown on protesters.

Protesters have seized the streets of Cairo, battling police with stones and firebombs, burning down the ruling party headquarters, and defying a night curfew enforced by a military deployment. It is the peak of unrest posing the most dire threat to Mubarak in his three decades of authoritarian rule.

Hmm, if you’ve ever wondered what the sound was of a lead balloon going over, I’d suggest turning on the TV and listening in.

Posted by Drew458     on 01/28/2011 at 05:54 PM   
Filed Under: • News-Briefs •  
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