Mubarak ‘to finish term’ as a million rally for him to go

EGYPTIAN President Hosni Mubarak said he would step down in a few months once a successor is elected, a move that responds to massive street protests but which may not satisfy many who want him out now.

At least a million people rallied across the country for an end to Mubarak’s 30- year-rule, with reports last night of clashes in Alexandria between Mubarak supporters and anti-government protesters.

In Cairo’s Tahrir or Liberation, Square, there was cheering after the 82-year- old leader’s pugnacious broadcast on state television but also questioning about whether the opposition will agree to months of transition.

“Leave, leave!” came the chant, showing Mubarak’s plan to serve out his fifth term did not go down well.

In his speech, he said: “I say in all honesty and regardless of the current situation, that I did not intend to nominate myself for a new presidential term. I’ve spent enough years of my life in the service of Egypt and its people.

“I am now absolutely determined to finish my work for the nation in a way that ensures handing over its safekeeping and banner ... preserving its legitimacy and respecting the constitution ... I will work in the remaining months of my term to take the steps to ensure peaceful transfer of power.”

Mubarak has lost the support of key ally the United States, which has pushed hard for him to make way for a democratic handover, at least come September’s scheduled presidential election. He also appeared to lose wholehearted backing from the army, which has said protesters’ demands are “legitimate”.

He accused opponents of being behind looting and disorder in the past week and recalled his military career as a defender of Egypt in war, saying he would not leave the country.

His departure may reconfigure the geopolitical map of the Middle East, with implications from Israel to oil giant Saudi Arabia. Unrest is stirring in other Arab countries like Jordan and Yemen, sending oil prices higher on fears of trouble in Saudi Arabia and the Suez Canal.

King Abdullah of Jordan replaced his prime minister yesterday following protests.

Egypt’s opposition, embracing the banned Islamist group the Muslim Brotherhood, Christians, intellectuals and others, began to coalesce around the figure of Mohamed ElBaradei, a Nobel Peace laureate for his work as head of the UN nuclear agency.

ElBaradei said yesterday Mubarak must leave Egypt before the reformist opposition would start talks with the government on the future of the Arab world’s most populous nation.

“There can be dialogue but it has to come after the demands of the people are met and the first of those is that President Mubarak leaves,” ElBaradei told Al Arabiya television.

About 250,000 around Tahrir Square in Cairo. “Mubarak wake up! Today is the last day!” some shouted.

Effigies of Mubarak were hung from traffic lights. The crowds included men, women and children from all walks of life.

Washington called for reforms and free elections but is also concerned Islamists could gain a slice of power if Mubarak is forced out.

Chair of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Sen John Kerry said yesterday Mubarak should “step aside gracefully to make way for a new political structure”.

The hitherto banned Islamist movement the Muslim Brotherhood stayed in the background early in the uprising but is now raising its profile.

The price of oil, the most sensitive indicator of market unease about the Middle East, rose. Brent crude passed $102 a barrel on word of disruption at Egyptian ports.

Reuters