As protests against President Mubarak in Egypt enters its seventh day, the protesters have called for an indefinite general strike today and a million man march tomorrow in Cairo to press for their demand of ouster of President Hosni Mubarak. While hundreds of protesters have gathered at Cairo's Tahrir square, the authorities have ordered riot police back onto the streets, which has been ordered to coordinate with Army during their operations. The army has positioned tanks around the area and checking identity papers but letting protesters in. Warplanes roared low over the downtown Cairo protest in an apparent show of force.In order to Assuage protesters, President Mubarak has tasked his new prime minister to work for democratic reforms creating new jobs through dialogue with all parties, urgently, completely and effectively. He also instructed to end corruption and restore trust in the country's economy. Egyptian reform campaigner and Nobel Prize winner Mohamed El Baradei who joined the protestors last night, once again asked President Hosni Mubarak to step down. He appealed protesters for patience saying change is coming in the next few days. Offices, Schools, Business Establishments and Stock exchange remain closed across the country. Reports say that widespread anti government demonstrations and violent clashes in Egypt have left at least 125 people dead since last Tuesday. More than 2,000 people have been injured. Armed men attacked at least four jails across Egypt yesterday, helping to free thousands of inmates. Reports say that among those who escaped were senior members of the Muslim Brotherhood, as well as members of Palestinian group Hamas, some of whom reportedly made it back to the Gaza Strip through smuggling tunnels. A key ally of Egypt, Washington called on Mr. Mubarak to do more to defuse the crisis, with President Barack Obama voicing support for an orderly transition to a government that is responsive to the aspirations of the Egyptian people. UN chief Ban Ki-moon also called on the Egyptian government to respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. Meanwhile Indian Embassy in Cairo has made elaborate arrangements to airlift Indian nationals in Egypt in the wake of violent agitation against the Hosni Mubarak regime. Talking to AIR’s West Asia Correspondent, Ambassador of India to Egypt Mr. R. Swaminathan said that all Indians in Egypt are safe and elaborate arranges have made to air lift them. The Regional Manager of Air India, Abhay Pathak told AIR that a plane carrying 320 Passengers left Cairo this morning, and another flight will leave Cairo late evening today. Indian Embassy has set up 24 hours hotline to assist Indians for help. The numbers are 0020227360556, 0020227356168 and 0020227360052. The MEA has already issued a travel advisory asking Indians to avoid non-essential travel to Egypt.Egyptian TV has reported that Mahmoud Wagdi has been named new interior minister in the country. General Mahmoud Wagdy previously worked as head of Cairo criminal investigations department and a former head of prisons.Meanwhile Al Jazeera channel has announced that its 5 production staff have been arrested in Egypt. The governemnet has already banned the channel in the country.
News On AIR | January 31, 2011 6:47 PM
Egypt protests seventh day