Reply #55: Egypt awaits Hosni Mubarak address

[Kennah]

Source: L.A. Times

President Hosni Mubarak is set to address Egypt in the next hours after an Egyptian army general spoke to the thousands of anti-Mubarak protesters gathered in Tahrir Square in Cairo, telling them that their demands would be met.

It was unclear exactly what was unfolding, but demonstrators have said for the last 17 days that they would not give up their protest until Mubarak leaves office. The president has refused to step down despite increasing pressure from within his ruling party and from Washington and other Western powers.

Citing unnamed U.S. officials, CNN reported that Mubarak was preparing to step down after 30 years in power and that recently appointed Vice President Omar Suleiman would take his place.

CIA Director Leon Panetta, speaking Thursday before the House Select Committee on Intelligence, said he has received reports that Mubarak possibly might step down. "We have not got official word he will do that. We assume he will turn over his powers to Suleiman to direct the country," Panetta told the committee.


Read more: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-egy...

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One desperately hopes that the hard work and bravery of the protesters in Egypt is about to pay off.

Ich bin ein Egyptian.