Cairo (AsiaNews / Agencies) – Thousands of anti-Mubarak protesters clashed with the president’s supporters in Cairo’s Tahrir Square. At least 500 people were hurt from stones, sticks and beatings. The two groups pelted each other with stones, with some people getting into a fistfight. The military, which had said it would uphold law and order, did not move in, except to fire warning shots into the air.
Protesters who have occupied Tahrir Square for days want Mubarak’s immediate departure. The United States, Britain France and Turkey have asked for a "transition" to begin immediately. For now however, the situation in Egypt is still far from clear, as the army, in a televised appeal asks protesters to go home and resume normal activities. Many countries are trying to repatriate their nationals, for fear of the situation getting out of control, while the first signs of a return to normal can be seen, and the beginnings of a "change" emerge, in spite of some tensions between proponents and opponents of Mubarak. Internet is back, and Parliament has decided to suspend their activities pending outcome of a control on procedures in the general election last November. And the Speaker of Parliament has said that it will be possible to implement the constitutional reforms sought by reformers in about two months.
Mubarak has announced he will not be standing for a new term, but will remain until September. The announcement was greeted with cries of protests by demonstrators calling for him to leave immediately. The most important event on a political level is the speech of U.S. president. Obama said that Mubarak has realized that the status quo is not sustainable, and "that the transition of power must be real, must be done in a peaceful manner, and must be now," and lead to free elections. Similar messages have come from French President, Sarkozy, (transition 'without delay''), from Turkish Premier Erdogan (a ''road map'' and a timetable for the handover), and Great Britain.
But the situation remains volatile in Egypt. The Minister of Defence, which seems to want to take on a key role in the balance of power, and ensure the transition, has addressed demonstrators with a statement broadcast by Tv "Go home to allow us to restore security in the country. Your message is clear and your requests have been implemented. Are we to continue to stand in the street, stopping the life of the country, keeping the schools closed and workplaces closed?”, read the army spokesman. He continued:" We have to think about the future of the country and to think of Egypt. We ask you not by force but through dialogue. " In an attempt to lower tensions discussions are on going between the Vice-President Omar Suleiman and Egyptian demonstrators in Tahrir Square, the state television reports. The curfew in Suez, Cairo and Alexandria has been reduced by two hours