JNN 15 Feb 2011 : Egypt’s military has rejected the demands of pro-democracy protesters for a swift transfer of power to a civilian administration, saying it will rule by martial law until presidential election is held in September.
The Egyptian military officials do not dare to make any problem for the United States and this is why Washington insists on empowerment the Egyptian military, Larijani told IRIB Channel 2 Sunday night
Even after the removal of the Hosni Mubarak from the Office of the President , and Omar Suleiman, as Vice President, it’s clear there are some elements in the higher command of the army who aren’t happy and hope that they would be able to buy off the demonstrators and the protesters with some concessions. But what they’ve offered is the continuation of military rule, and that the military draws up a new constitution.
While Egyptian protesters have called on the new military rulers to release hundreds of people who were arrested in the recent popular revolution that toppled the Mubarak regime.
The military has promised to enforce the will of the people following President Hosni Mubarak’s ouster, but the people say their demands have not been met yet, our correspondent reported.
Protesters, who are gathering in Liberation Square for the 21st consecutive day, have called on the army to fulfill its promises following its takeover of power.
One of their demands is the release of all political prisoners.
At least 500 people were arrested in the recent popular protests that toppled the ruling regime.
But an estimated 17,000 political prisoners were already locked up in Egyptian prisons — notorious for the use of torture.
Egypt has also been the US destination of choice for its extraordinary rendition program — the practice of taking terror suspects to a country where torture is used in an attempt to extract confessions.
For years, former intelligence chief and Previous Vice President Omar Suleiman has been the CIA’s point-man in Egypt for extraordinary renditions.
Protesters have been cordoned off by police and military soldiers. Protesters say they are now discussing their next move.
They are demanding a clear timetable for the transfer of power to a civilian government.
Activists have demanded the release of political prisoners, the lifting of a 30-year-old state of emergency and the disbandment of military court. They say demonstrations will continue until the army accepts the reforms
Remember that the treatment of the Arab democracy movements has been an aberration to prepare with American policy elsewhere. And of course, that’s because of its reflection in the policy towards Israel; that they wanted what Israel wanted. And what they wanted was strong autocratic regimes that could be bribed and bought.
But in the face of a huge popular uprising like this, which has had great steps forward of being completely peaceful, apart from provocation by the regime, I really think that the military would have to think very, very carefully before trying to suppress it. We saw that the security forces tried provocation, and then thought better about it, and withdrew the provocateurs. And I think you might find the military doing that now. On the other hand, if they do actually try serious repression, then they’re going to meet a lot of trouble at home and abroad. Their only friend will be Saudi Arabia, and perhaps Israel.
Post Mubarak Scenario in Tahrir Square :
Thousands flood Cairo square as army struggles to halt rallies ,
Egypt police march on Tahrir in unusual show of solidarity: We and the people are one; prior to this, military ordered final few dozen protesters to evacuate or face arrest.
Thousands of Egyptians flooded back into Tahrir Square on Monday, only hours after military police and soldiers had cleared the last few dozen pro-democracy activists from the area.
The army had appeared to be in full control of the central Cairo square after they issued an ultimatum to demonstrators to evacuate or face arrest. Tahrir Square has been at the heart of the protests that began on January 25 and within weeks toppled President Hosni Mubarak
But hundreds of police in uniform and plainclothes marched through the square to show solidarity with the demonstrators shortly after the military announced that the area had been evacuated.
The police protesters and the crowds of onlookers around them disrupted traffic which had begun flowing at the weekend.
Waving Egyptian flags, the police demonstrators shouted “We and the people are one”, witnesses said. Policemen said they wanted to “honor the martyrs of the revolution”.
“We are with the people. We ask the people of Egypt not to ostracize us. We are not enemies,” Lieutenant Mohammed Mestekawy told Reuters.
“We are in this together and have been mistreated by the same system.
Many police officers have died in the revolt along with others,” he said.
The army ordered the remaining protesters, who were cordoned off by troops and military police in front of a stage erected during the anti-Mubarak demonstrations, to leave or face arrest.
The widely loathed police were withdrawn from the streets on Jan. 28 after failing to crush protesters with batons, teargas, rubber bullets and live fire.
The army stood by during those confrontations, without helping the protesters or the police
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