Egyptian army backs Mubarak, guarantees free elections
14:43 11/02/2011
CAIRO, February 11 (RIA Novosti) - The Supreme Council of the Egyptian armed forces on Friday declared its support for President Hosni Mubarak's transfer of power to his vice president, angering protesters demanding that the Egyptian leader step down immediately.
The military also promised free elections, but set no date for them, and announced a conditional offer to end 30 years of emergency rule "as soon as current circumstances end."
Mubarak addressed the restive nation on Thursday, giving most of his powers to Vice President Omar Suleiman, the former intelligence chief, and proposing amendments to the constitution. The speech sparked outrage among protesters on Tahrir Square in central Cairo.
In a further concession, the military pledged a judicial review of recent disputed parliamentary elections, as well as vowing to oversee "a peaceful transfer of power" after free and fair presidential elections.
The statement also urged demonstrators who have brought normal life to a virtual standstill in the world's most populous Arab state to return to their work and studies. The army said none of them would face prosecution.
Suleiman ordered Prime Minister Ahmed Shafik to appoint a deputy to take charge of holding a national dialogue with the opposition, Egypt's national television reported.
Meanwhile, thousands of protesters begin gathering on Tahrir Square, with large crowds near the television center half a kilometer away. More demonstrators are expected to arrive after Friday prayers. The opposition has accused state media of biased coverage of the unrest.
The Egyptian army earlier warned it would use force against anyone attempting to provoke violence or threatening the security of the public or the state.
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