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Stays in power until elections in September 2011. Crowds have become angry chanting: “He shall leave!” Mubarak offers minor concessions to his people. Talks as a father to his children. Draws on the emotions the people have for the military. Reminds everyone of his military career during 60 years of service to Egypt.
Mubarak Speech LIVE AlJazeera
Succession Suleiman blocked by Armed Forces today!
The Israeli establishment is pleased to see that Omar Suleiman, the former head of Egypt’s intelligence services who was recently appointed to be Egypt’s first vice president, is angling to continue the Mubarak regime.
State Department cables released by WikiLeaks show that Suleiman directs Egypt’s policies on Israel/Palestine, policies that are in line with Israeli goals: weakening Hamas, continuing the blockade of Gaza and halting Iranian influence.
Egypt unrest: Higher Military Council statement
Footage aired on the state-run Nile News TV showed Defence Minister Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi chairing the meeting of two dozen army officers seated around a table.
« click Statement Number One, issued by the Higher Council of the Armed Forces,
Stemming from the armed forces’ responsibility and committing to the protection of the people, safeguarding their interest and security, and keen on the safety of the homeland, the citizens and the achievements of the great Egyptian people, and asserting the legitimate rights of the people,
The Higher Council of the Armed Forces convened today, Thursday, 10 February 2011, to deliberate on the latest developments of the situation and decided to remain in continuous session to discuss what measures and arrangements could be taken to safeguard the homeland and its achievements, and the aspirations of the great Egyptian people.
Peace, mercy and the blessings of God.
Dutch Egypt watchers noted the cryptic use of the Arabic terms: “the protection … the achievements of the great Egyptian people.” This refers to the 1952 coup by Nasser and not today’s aspirations of the people. I believe the military will take over control leading to democratic elections over one or two years. The people’s opposition groups are too weak to participate in ordened elections. The Muslim Brotherhood realised the fear for Islamic rule declared just a day ago they would not be part of any presidential election nor seek (absolute) power.
US Out of Touch with Egypt’s Reality
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US escalates pressure on EgyptThe embattled government of Egypt had not met even a minimum threshold of reforms demanded by the people of the country, the White House said on Wednesday, warning that massive protests will likely continue until real reforms are instituted.
In a sharp escalation of rhetoric with one of its most important allies in the Middle East, Robert Gibbs, president Barack Obama’s spokesman, suggested that some Egyptian leaders thought they could wait out the protesters by offering up some concessions and assuming “life will return to normal.”
“I think that’s largely been answered by a greater number of people, representing a greater cross-section of Egyptian society, who have come out seeking their grievances to be addressed,” Gibbs told reporters.
“And I think those are not likely to dissipate until the government takes some genuine steps.”
OBAMA KEEPS PRESSURE ON EGYPT’S LEADERSHIP
The comments came as the Obama administration sought to keep pressure on Egypt’s leaders to change the way the country is governed and set up a path to free and fair elections in September, when president Hosni Mubarak’s term ends.
Gibbs suggested that Mubarak’s administration appeared out of touch in the face of swelling pro-democracy protests demanding genuine reforms.
“I think it is clear that the Egyptian government is going to have to take some real, concrete steps in order to meet the threshold that the people of Egypt, that they represent, require from their government,” he said.
Perhaps today’s conclusion: CIA’s coup d’etat failed in Egypt!
Mubarak stated in his speech he will not succumb to foreign pressure!
"But I will not let myself be reduced to silence."