Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources VOA.com
Photo: AP
Smoke billows from the Arcadia shopping center, that was looted, damaged and set on fire by people in Cairo, Egypt, Sunday Jan. 30, 2011.
There could also be an announcement identifying new members of embattled President Hosni Mubarak's government, after he named aviation minister Ahmed Shafiq prime minister on Saturday and asked him to form a new cabinet.
At least 34 members of Egypt's banned Muslim Brotherhood political party walked out of prison Sunday after protesters overpowered guards at detention centers.
A spokesman for the party made the announcement Sunday. The Muslim Brotherhood members were among thousands of prisoners set free during the violent protests that have rocked Cairo, Alexandria, and other Egyptian cities since Tuesday. Protesters gathered in public spaces again on Sunday to continue their call for President Hosni Mubarak to step down after 30 years in office. There is a heavy military presence in the streets, a guard against the violence that has killed more than 100 people and injured an estimated 1,000. Egyptian official media say the government has ordered the closure of the Cairo bureau of Al Jazeera television, which has reported extensively on the riots. Al Jazeera said the move was designed to "stifle and repress" free and open reporting.
Many residents of Cairo have formed neighborhood watch teams to protect their homes from looters, despite an overnight curfew. Tens of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets in Cairo and Alexandria during the past several days.
Military patrols have blocked access to Egypt's many tourist attractions, including the Egyptian Museum in Cairo and the pyramids.
Egyptian opposition activist Mohamed ElBaradei reacted to Mr. Mubarak's moves by saying new appointments were not enough. In an interview with Al Jazeera, the Nobel laureate said protesters want a regime change and an end to what he called a dictatorship.
Also Saturday, Mr. Mubarek named intelligence chief Omar Suleiman as vice president -- the first time the post has been filled in 30 years.
View the slide show of anti-government protests in Egypt
Egyptian opposition activist Mohamed ElBaradei reacted to Mr. Mubarak's moves by saying the new appointments were not enough. In an interview with Al Jazeera , the Nobel laureate said protesters want a regime change and an end to what he called a dictatorship.
Thousands of passengers have been stranded at Cairo's airport as flights were canceled or delayed. Several Arab nations moved to evacuate their citizens. Military patrols have blocked access to Egypt's many tourist attractions, including the Egyptian Museum in Cairo and the pyramids. Two mobile phone networks resumed service Saturday, about 24 hours after the government instructed mobile operators to cut services in an effort to stop Friday's massive protests. Meanwhile, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel is following the anti-government protests in Egypt "with vigilance," and says his nation's efforts are focused on maintaining the stability and security of the region. Mr. Netanyahu made his comments Sunday as the crisis in the streets of Cairo and other Egyptian cities entered its sixth day. Egypt is Israel's largest Arab ally and has played a major role as a regional mediator between Israel and the Palestinians. The United States on Sunday advised its citizens in Egypt to consider leaving the country as soon as possible. Saturday, Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah criticized the protesters and expressed support for Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. Both Saudi Arabia and Egypt are key allies of the United States, which has called on President Mubarak to fulfill his promises of reform and refrain from violence against the demonstrators. Saturday in Iran, a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry called on Egyptian authorities to follow what he called the "rightful demands" of the people and avoid any violence against them. He said the Egyptian protests are based in Islam and aimed at gaining justice.
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News, contact: dtnnews@ymail.com
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