BBC: Egypt PM Shafiq hints Mubarak resignation coming "soon"

Egypt Prime Minister Shafiq: 'Mubarak may step down'

Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq has told Britain's BBC that Mubarak may step down and the situation in the country will be clarified soon, the British broadcaster said.

Egypt's military announced it was taking measures to preserve the nation and aspirations of the people after a meeting of the Higher Army Council. The meeting of the Higher Army Council was headed by the defense minister and Mubarak was not present.

"The Higher Army Council held a meeting today under Hussein Tantawi the head of the armed forces and minister of defense to discuss the necessary measures and preparations to protect the nation, its gains and the aspirations of the people," the state news agency MENA said.

"The council decided to remain in continuous session to discuss measures that can be taken in this regard."

Pro-democracy protesters consolidated a new encampment around Cairo's parliament building and Tahrir (Liberation) Square remained crowded. Organizers were promising another major push on the streets on Friday when protesters said they plan to move on to the state radio and television building in "The Day of Martyrs" dedicated to the dead which the United Nations says could number 300.


Siources: news.yahoo.com, Reuters,