Thursday, February 10, 2011

Roweny, commander of the Egyptian Army: "Everything that you loved will comply"

The Army has taken the reins in Egypt. After 17 days of demonstrations and Liberation Square calling for the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak, the Egyptian army commander, Hassan al Roweny has made known to the Egyptians thousands of protesters that "whatever you wish will be fulfilled." Roweny has addressed the protesters from one of the stage erected in the square, calling on protesters to sing the national anthem and maintain the security of Egypt.

Hearing her words, protesters chanted: "The people demand the downfall of the regime" and "the regime has fallen." The news coincides with reports that Mubarak could resign from office today and cede his post as military commander in the Army. This is the first public declaration of the Egyptian Armed Forces since the outbreak of crisis.

The Egyptian army has reinforced its position this morning with tanks and armored vehicles near the building of public broadcasting, with the announcement that tomorrow will celebrate a mass demonstration against Mubarak, in power since 1981. Although the Liberation Square remains guarded by armored units of the Army since 28 January, had not seen so many tanks as there are today.

It is also noted that the military has strengthened its positions around the central station of Ramses. Dangerously ambiguous attitude So far the military has taken a dangerously ambiguous attitude hearted. Passivity, according to some analysts, reflecting difficulties in reaching a common position on what to do, what to prioritize interests.

The Armed Forces had to choose between defending the status quo of a regime that has been a mainstay, led by men trained in its ranks and has offered important privileges, including the ability to develop profitable businesses in various sectors, or support the people's demands and to satisfy international pressure, especially that of the U.S.

ally, giving the final push to the regime. In the end, after many days of protest, have opted for the latter. But the hesitation of the Armed Forces have been a constant in this crisis. Wavering between loyalty to the regime and the interest in satisfying U.S. pressure, which contributes to the Egyptian military budget of $ 1,300 million (950 million euros) annually.

The Egyptian military leaders have close ties with the Americans, who receive training in addition to money. Despite its ambiguous role, the Army has been in the spotlight of human rights organizations. According to report the British newspaper The Guardian, based on testimonies of victims of such abuse, the Egyptian military has secretly detained hundreds, possibly thousands, of suspected opponents of the regime since the outbreak of social revolt against Mubarak.

NGOs claim that their neutrality is only apparent and accuse them of involvement in disappearances, torture and abuse.

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