Protesters Converge on Egypt Palace

Huge protest comes after opposition rejects talks
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 7, 2012 5:15 PM CST
Protesters Converge on Egypt Palace
Egyptian army tanks try to secure the perimeter of the presidential palace Friday.   (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

Thousands of protesters in Egypt have made clear they don't think President Mohamed Morsi made much of a concession in yesterday's televised address. Throngs converged on the presidential palace in Cairo today, despite the presence of tanks and Republican Guard troops, reports Reuters. They chanted slogans such as "Leave! Leave!"—reminiscent of chants against the ousted Hosni Mubarak—but made no attempt to enter the palace itself.

The huge demonstration came after opposition leaders rejected Morsi's invitation to talks tomorrow. The Morsi government did take one step today that might signal a willingness to budge, reports AP. Election officials postponed the start of early voting (for those living abroad) on the controversial draft constitution from tomorrow until Wednesday. However, "it was not immediately clear if the postponement was a concession or how that would affect the overall referendum timeline," notes AP. As of now, the main vote is still set for Dec. 15, but opponents want Morsi to delay it. (More Egypt stories.)

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