Egypt: talks of Mubarak ‘stepping down' on the increase

A senior member of Egypt's governing party has said he "hopes" that President Hosni Mubarak will transfer power to Vice-President Omar Suleiman.

10 February 2011, 12:00am

1 min read

Hossan Badrawi, secretary general of the National Democratic Party (NDP), said Mubarak would "most probably" speak to the nation soon, according to the BBC.

NBC news website reports that Gen. Hassan al-Roueini, military commander for the Cairo area, announced to thousands of protesters in central Tahrir Square, "All your demands will be met today."

News of his possible “stepping down” comes on the 17th day of protests against Mubarak's 30-year rule.

In a statement on Egyptian state TV, the Egyptian military has said it is ready to respond to the "legitimate demands of the people”, and the safety and security of the people was paramount.

Earlier, Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq said that the scenario of President Mubarak stepping down was being discussed.

Reporters in Cairo are saying the fact that President Mubarak's departure is even being talked about is already a huge development.

If Mubarak does step down, the 25 January movement - the day when the protests began - will see this as a great victory.