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Egyptians Continue Mass Protests for Mubarak's Resignation
Photo: AP
An Egyptian anti-government protester holds a defaced poster of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, with the words 'Mubarak, get out' written above, during a demonstration in Cairo, Jan. 29, 2011
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Tens of thousands of anti-government protesters returned to the streets in Cairo and other Egyptian cities Saturday, the fifth straight day of demonstrations calling for the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak.
Protesters waving Egyptian flags gathered in Cairo's Tahrir Square, a site that has become a focal point for demonstrators. There is a strong military presence visible in the city, but on Saturday the security forces did not appear to be confronting the demonstrators. In some cases, soldiers were seen waving to the crowd and greeted warmly by protesters.
Massive protests also continue in Alexandria and Suez. The government announced that it had extended the hours of a curfew, but there was little evidence of protesters leaving the streets as the curfew began at 04:00 p.m. local time (1400 UTC).
Reuters news quotes the Egyptian army as saying violators of Saturday's curfew would be in danger.
Earlier Saturday, Egyptian state television announced President Mubarak's Cabinet had officially resigned.
In a televised speech late Friday, the Egyptian leader promised to name a new Cabinet Saturday and implement political and economic reforms. However, there are no signs that his proposed changes have appeased protesters who have been demanding an end to his 30-year rule.
Egyptian opposition activist Mohamed ElBaradei called Mr. Mubarak's speech "disappointing." In interviews with news organizations, the Nobel laureate and former U.N. atomic energy chief said President Mubarak should step down.
Egyptian officials say at least 35 people have been killed in five days of protests, including 10 police officers. Some media outlets say the death toll is higher, with at least 74 people killed during demonstrations in major cities. Hundreds of others have been hurt.
Two mobile phone networks resumed service Saturday, about 24 hours after the government instructed mobile operators to cut services in an effort to stop Friday's massive protests.
U.S. President Barack Obama appealed to Egypt Friday to restore Internet and communication services and refrain from violence against peaceful protesters.
Mr. Obama said he spoke to Mr. Mubarak and asked him to take "concrete steps" to fulfill his promises of reform made to the Egyptian people.
Protesters waving Egyptian flags gathered in Cairo's Tahrir Square, a site that has become a focal point for demonstrators. There is a strong military presence visible in the city, but on Saturday the security forces did not appear to be confronting the demonstrators. In some cases, soldiers were seen waving to the crowd and greeted warmly by protesters.
Massive protests also continue in Alexandria and Suez. The government announced that it had extended the hours of a curfew, but there was little evidence of protesters leaving the streets as the curfew began at 04:00 p.m. local time (1400 UTC).
Reuters news quotes the Egyptian army as saying violators of Saturday's curfew would be in danger.
Earlier Saturday, Egyptian state television announced President Mubarak's Cabinet had officially resigned.
In a televised speech late Friday, the Egyptian leader promised to name a new Cabinet Saturday and implement political and economic reforms. However, there are no signs that his proposed changes have appeased protesters who have been demanding an end to his 30-year rule.
Egyptian opposition activist Mohamed ElBaradei called Mr. Mubarak's speech "disappointing." In interviews with news organizations, the Nobel laureate and former U.N. atomic energy chief said President Mubarak should step down.
Egyptian officials say at least 35 people have been killed in five days of protests, including 10 police officers. Some media outlets say the death toll is higher, with at least 74 people killed during demonstrations in major cities. Hundreds of others have been hurt.
Two mobile phone networks resumed service Saturday, about 24 hours after the government instructed mobile operators to cut services in an effort to stop Friday's massive protests.
U.S. President Barack Obama appealed to Egypt Friday to restore Internet and communication services and refrain from violence against peaceful protesters.
Mr. Obama said he spoke to Mr. Mubarak and asked him to take "concrete steps" to fulfill his promises of reform made to the Egyptian people.
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