Egyptian military supports 'legitimate demands of the people'

The Egyptian military’s supreme council has announced on state TV its “support of the legitimate demands of the people”.

A spokesman said the council was in permanent session to explore “what measures and arrangements could be made to safeguard the nation, its achievements and the ambitions of its great people”.

General Hassan al-Roueini, military commander for the Cairo area, told thousands of protesters in central Tahrir Square: “All your demands will be met today.”

Earlier, military and ruling party officials said Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak would speak to the nation soon and meet protesters’ demands.

Protesters are insisting he step down immediately.

State TV says President Mubarak will speak to the nation tonight from his palace in Cairo.