EGYPT: Now entering their third week, the protests in Egypt show no signs of losing momentum
Record ID:
572929
EGYPT: Now entering their third week, the protests in Egypt show no signs of losing momentum
- Title: EGYPT: Now entering their third week, the protests in Egypt show no signs of losing momentum
- Date: 10th February 2011
- Summary: CAIRO, EGYPT (FEBRUARY 9, 2011) (REUTERS) TAHRIR SQUARE AT SUNRISE, EGYPTIAN MUSEUM IN FOREGROUND TENTS AND PROTESTERS IN TAHRIR SQUARE BARRICADE BLOCKING ENTRANCE TO SQUARE MILITARY TANK PARKED UNDER BRIDGE VARIOUS OF PROTESTERS AND TENTS IN SQUARE (2 SHOTS) PAN: TAHRIR SQUARE AT SUNRISE, EGYPTIAN MUSEUM IN FOREGROUND/NILE RIVER BURNT-OUT RULING PARTY BUILDING STREET VENDORS TANK PARKED ON BRIDGE PROTESTERS IN SQUARE TRAFFIC MOVING ON ROADS NEAR SQUARE
- Embargoed: 25th February 2011 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Egypt, Egypt
- Country: Egypt
- Topics: Domestic Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA6ITH1QKBYKE0NH4P6ZKMCLZ40
- Story Text: Egyptian protesters remained camped in Cairo's Tahrir Square on Wednesday (February 9) as the political unrest in the country entered a third week.
The demonstrators staged one of their biggest protests yet on Tuesday, insisting President Hosni Mubarak step down immediately and ignoring a government plan to transfer power.
For many protesters it was the first time they had joined the daily demonstrations in Cairo's Tahrir Square showing the movement, now in its third week, still has momentum.
Many said they were inspired by a Google executive's tearful televised account of his detention by security forces.
Mubarak has refused to step down, but said neither he nor his son will stand for president in polls due in September. Vice President Omar Suleiman, who has been holding talks with opposition groups, said there was now a road map to hand over power, but protesters were unmoved by the plan.
Government attempts to defuse popular anger have so far fallen flat and the police force, state media and ruling party have all been weakened. Mubarak has the army left, though it has taken a neutral position in the crisis.
For the protesters, maintaining impetus is crucial. Some of them fear that a protracted stalemate will sap enthusiasm and draw more criticism from Egyptians who are not in the street but are feeling the economic impact of the turmoil.
A protest called for Friday will be a big test of strength. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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