Military: Mubarak Will Meet Protesters' Demands

President expected to step aside; 'They won,' party's secretary-general says
By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 10, 2011 9:45 AM CST
Updated Feb 10, 2011 10:05 AM CST
Military: Mubarak Will Meet Protesters' Demands
Egyptian lawyers in black robes shout anti-Mubarak slogans in front of their syndicate in Cairo, Egypt, Thursday, Feb.10, 2011.   (AP Photo/Mohammed Abou Zaid)

Hosni Mubarak will address the nation today to announce that he will meet the protesters’ demands, Egypt’s military and ruling party officials tell the AP. After an all-day meeting of the military's supreme council, the military issued a televised statement pledging its "support of the legitimate demands of the people." One commander then spoke in Tahrir Square, declaring, "All your demands will be met today!"

The phrasing of the military's statement suggests a military coup. Neither Mubarak nor Vice President Omar Suleiman were present at the meeting. CIA chief Leon Panetta told Congress that he has intelligence saying the Egyptian president will likely step down. The secretary-general of Mubarak's party tells CNN that Mubarak will "accommodate" the protesters. "They won," he said. In Tahrir Square, protesters were jubilant. "Mission accomplished," Wael Ghonim tweeted. "Thanks to all the brave young Egyptians."
(More Hosni Mubarak stories.)

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