Egypt’s Turmoil Continues: Government Just Sitting Back
By Pam Erickson on February 9, 2011, 3:31 pm
President Mubarak has said he will stay until elections in September. The protesters are continuing to call for Mr Mubarak to leave office immediately, and say they are sceptical about any transition managed by the government. In his response to the protests, President Mubarak has set up a committee to propose constitutional changes, and another is being formed to carry the changes out.
New Committees
Vice-President Omar Suleiman, who announced the formation of the new committees, said he had briefed Mr Mubarak on recent talks with the opposition, and the president had welcomed the process of “dialogue” and “national reconciliation”.
“The president also underlined the importance of continuing [the process] and moving from guidelines to a clear map with a definite timetable” for a “peaceful and organised” transfer of power, he said.
Almost 300 Deaths
Human Rights Watch (HRW) researchers say they have confirmed the deaths of 297 people since 28 January, based on a count from seven hospitals in the cities of Cairo, Alexandria and Suez. No comprehensive death toll has been given by the Egyptian government.
Economy Slowly Moving
Some economic activity has resumed, but authorities have delayed reopening the stock exchange until Sunday. On Friday it was estimated that the paralysis resulting from the unrest had been costing the economy an average of $310m (£193m) a day.
The Youth
“The president emphasized that the youth of Egypt deserve the appreciation of their country,” Suleiman said. “And he issued his instructions that prevent their pursuit or restrictions on them or denial of their freedom of opinion and expression.”
Affecting Everyone
Egypt’s ongoing uprising has captivated a broad swath of Egyptians, and was given renewed vigor today by the release of young Google executive Wael Ghonim. But the view of the protests from Giza is complex – a mixture of pride, fear of instability, and seemingly contradictory positions.