Egyptian PM Apologizes For Violence Against Anti-Governmental Protesters
Egyptian PM Ahmed Shafiq (allvoices.com)
Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq apologized on Thursday repeatedly on national television for the attacks on anti-governmental protesters by bands of violent people, as the clashes still continue in the capital of Egypt in spite of military’s attempt to separate pro from anti-governmental protesters.
At least five people were killed on Wednesday and early on Thursday and many hundreds (ranging from about 836 to 1500 according to some reports) were wounded as mysterious pro-Mubarak supporters stormed Tahrir Square, some of them on horseback and on camels.
Riot in Egypt (aknews.com)
The military intervention comes at a time when Ahmed Shafiq, Egyptian PM, promised that those responsible for the violence unleashed yesterday would be brought before justice to answer for their actions.
Shafiq said it was not yet clear whether the pro-Mubarak supporters were organized or not, but it was clear they had the intension of creating a violent environment and stirring riots.
The Prime Minister was quoted to have said that the people should not stay in the streets, because there is nothing more to obtain anymore than Mubarak has already promised.
Al Jazeera reports that on Thursday the army tried to separate the sides by placing armored cars between them, but the two parties found a way to move around them and the clashes started again.
People are gathering again in Tahrir Square and many anti-Mubarak protesters say they would not falter until Mubarak left power.
Meanwhile, European countries have asked Mubarak to stand down immediately, while the United States asked its citizens to leave the north African country.
Even Israel said that it must be ready for any outcome in Egypt, which could mean that the authorities in Tel Aviv have come to terms with the way things are developing in Egypt.
