EGYPT NEWS FEB.1 - SPEECH & REACTION LINKS &TWIT PICKS -NR. 11 - MUBARAK MUST GO!

 

Mubarak speaking to the nation. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images

 

9.25pm GMT:CloseLink to this update: http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/blog/2011/feb/01/egypt-protests-live-updates#block-93 Richard Adams in the Guardian's Washington bureau, taking over live blogging from Haroon Siddique.

Attention turns straight back to the reaction of the crowd in Tahrir Square and other protest venues around Egypt. It's worth noting that the crowd in Cairo did not bother waiting until the end of Mubarak's address to react – as soon as Mubarak said that he wasn't stepping down immediately, the crowd could be heard breaking out with chants of "Down, down with Mubarak," and "He's the one who has to leave".
State television in Egypt is now running a highlights reel of Mubarak's career as president, as sort of video retrospective of the Mubarak years.

9.16pm:CloseLink to this update: http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/blog/2011/feb/01/egypt-protests-live-updates#block-92 That was a rambling speech in which Mubarak tried to show empathy with the protesters but at the same time suggested that they have been manipulated by political forces (perhaps trying to implicate the Muslim Brotherhood, whose role has been minimal). He also had strong words for those responsible for criminal acts.

And he ended on a very defiant note, insisting he would not flee, but "die on the soil of Egypt" and "be judged by history".

People in Tahrir Square are chanting "Leave, leave" and "Get out".

9.08pm:CloseLink to this update: http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/blog/2011/feb/01/egypt-protests-live-updates#block-91 Mubarak starts talking about himself in the third person:

Hosni Mubarak who serves you today took pride in the long time I spent serving Egyptians...I will die on the soil of Egypt

He says he will be judged by history.
Mubarak finishes speaking and immediately people in Tahrir Square begin chanting their opposition to him.

9.07pm:CloseLink to this update: http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/blog/2011/feb/01/egypt-protests-live-updates#block-90 Mubarak says he will instruct the police apparatus "to protect and serve the citizens in absolute dignity".

He will work to immediately identify and arrest the outlaws, looters and arsonists.

"I pray to God to guide me to the successful right path to end my career in a way that is applicable to God and the people."

"I have exhausted my life serving Egypt but I am totally prepared to end my career"

The translation is halting but he is saying he will not run for another term as president.
In his "few" remaining months he says he will work towards a transition of power.

9.02pm:CloseLink to this update: http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/blog/2011/feb/01/egypt-protests-live-updates#block-88 The protests were "manipulated and controlled by political forces", says Mubarak.

People must chose between "chaos and stability".
Certain political forces have turned their back on dialogue, so he says he is addressing the people directly, Muslims, Christians, farmers.
"I never sought power or influence"

8.58pm:CloseLink to this update: http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/blog/2011/feb/01/egypt-protests-live-updates#block-87 Mubarak is speaking. He said the protests were started by "honest youths and men" but were taken over by those "who wanted to take advantage".

                                                     http://www.guardian.co.uk/new            

Reaction

11:43pm "Friday afternoon, we will be at the palace," protesters in Tahrir Square shout. Reports of a big march being planned after Friday prayers is being dubbed "The Friday of Departure" aimed at pushing Mubarak to quit office immediately.
11:39pm Protester tells Al Jazeera that he is disappointed by Mubarak's speech, and says that he was expecting more - people around him chant 'not enough'. Protests continue in Cairo.
11:15pm "Erhal erhal", meaning "leave leave", the crowd in Tahrir Square continue to chant after Mubarak said that he will see out his current term.                                                                      





In his speech, Mubarak called for reforms to article 76 of Egyptian constitution, which makes it impossible for independents to run for president.
11:08pm Crowds do not sound pleased by Mubarak's address - protests continue in Tahrir Square. Mubarak extolled his virtues, saying he wants to pave way for new leadership.

Hosni Mubarak, who addresses you today takes pride in the long years in serving the people, and this is my home land, like all Egyptians. I defended its soil and I will die on this soil.

I will be judged by history. Homeland will live on. People will not.