Mubarak Sacks Government

Army believed to be on Egyptian president's side.

A protester holds rocks in the air, ready to throw at riot police, as he urges other protesters on during clashes in Cairo, Egypt, in the early hours of Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011. Egyptian police fired tear gas and rubber bullets and beat protesters to clear thousands of people from a central Cairo square Wednesday after the biggest demonstrations in years against President Hosni Mubarak's authoritarian rule(Ben Curtis www.kansascity.com)

Hosni Mubarak, Egypt's president, announced late tonight (28 January) that he has sacked his government. In a tough and self-assured speech, the 82-year-old, who is reported to be in bad health, appeared to be in full control of the situation in the country.

Al Jazeera picture: Protesters warmly welcome armed military vehicles in downtown Cairo

(Photos: www.newswatchcanada.ca)

http://blog.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2011/01/27/egypts_new_suez_crisis

Friday saw the biggest demonstrations against Mubarak's 30-year rule yet, with several casualties reported in the capital, Cairo, and in the provincial city of Suez. Riot police were reinforced by army units. There were reports of live fire in Cairo, Suez and Alexandria.

http://blog.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2011/01/27/egypts_new_suez_crisis

Mubarak, a career officer who once commanded Egypt's air force, said that he was speaking to his people as an Egyptian, not the president. He said that he was on the side of the poor and that he had heard the demand for greater freedom. But, he warned that there was a thin line separating democracy from chaos and that he would not allow chaos to take hold in Egypt.

Explosions, gunfire heard in Cairo as protesters defy curfew

Mubarak offered no concessions to the protesters other than sacking the government and talking about the importance of economic development.

Protesters have set the headquarters of Mubarak's National Democratic Party on fire and attacked several ministries.

Earlier in the day, a White House spokesman gave evasive answers about the US administrations hopes for Egypt, while the EU called for restraint from both sides.

(www.europeanvoice.com)