Dictator’s speech turns the mobilizations in Egypt into an inflammable gunpowder barrel
Against all expectations, Egypt’s dictator Hosni Mubarak refused to resign during the expected statement broadcasted live to the world this evening, February 10th.
Not seeming to understand there’s a revolution going on in Egypt, Mubarak began talking about possible errors during his administration. He also promised to investigate the deaths that occurred during the three weeks of mobilization in the country.
“I will fulfill my responsibilities until the power is transferred to a new president elected in free and fair elections,” the dictator said, repeating what he had said last week, when he promised not to run for reelection in September. Completely hypocritical, Mubarak hinted that the revolution is operated by foreign forces. “I will not accept any foreign intervention regardless of where they come,” he said, forgetting that for decades he was the puppet dictator serving the U.S. and Israel on the region.
Mubarak will “delegate” power to his Vice-President, Omar Suleiman, without even specifying what powers would be this. He also said he would make changes in the Constitution, also without details.
Shortly after, Suleiman’s speech reaffirmed the dictator and called people back home. Addressing the Egyptian youth, he said: “Go back home, we must now look to the future, go back to work, the country needs you.”
Tahrir Square explodes in anger
The millions of people concentrated in Tahrir Square listened in complete silence the dictator’s speech. According to our special correspondent in Cairo, Luis Gustavo Porfírio, the mood of the people changed throughout the discourse until, in the end, when it was clear that Mubarak would not step down, the square erupted in anger, shouting “Out! Out!”. They also chanted “Revolution, revolution.”
Also according to Mr. Porfírio, many people took off their shoes to show their anger against the dictator. Many groups tried to incite the demonstrators to march to the government’s palace. Another group headed to the state-run TV station. “The speech was an invitation to stay at the Square,” said one Egyptian to our correspondent.
People’s mood is of full indignation. “One of the young leaders spoke on the microphone and called Mubarak’s speech a joke, outrageous,” said Luis Gustavo. Apparently, the Egyptian people are preparing a major demonstration this Friday the 11th, a holy day for Muslims. An Egyptian youth leader urged all citizens to join the demonstration. “Every Egyptian, every Egyptian, should come to the square,” he said.
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