THE GLOBE AND MAIL: Tanks guarded key government building around Cairo and the central square Saturday as protesters returned to the streets a day after massive and violent confrontations emboldened the movement demanding the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak. The Cabinet resigned in the midst of rampant looting across the sprawling city and the death toll since protests began rose to 45.
Dozens of military armoured personnel carriers and tanks as well as soldiers on foot deployed around a number of key government buildings in the capital, including state television and the Foreign Ministry after thousands of protesters besieged the two offices in Friday's riots. The military was protecting important tourist and archaeological sites such as the Egyptian Museum, home to some of the country's most treasured antiquities, as well as the Cabinet building. The pyramids on the outskirts of Cairo — Egypt's premiere tourist site — were closed by the military to tourists.
Last night, a defiant President Hosni Mubarak attempted to reassure the Egyptian people that he is still the best man to deal with the grievances of the people, and would do so in an orderly way.
Mr. Mubarak said he was aware of people’s hopes to improve the economy and would take steps to do so “as soon as possible.” To that end, he announced that he had dismissed the government and would appoint a new cabinet Saturday.
But, emphasizing the “thin line that separates freedom and chaos,” Mr. Mubarak said that the violence of protesters in recent days was an attempt “to destabilize the country,” something he would not tolerate.
Delivered after midnight on state television, these were the words of a man looking over the abyss: the 30-year rule of the Egyptian President is hanging by a thread. >>> Patrick Martin | Published: Friday, January 28, 2011; Updated: Saturday, January 29, 2011
Write a comment here
