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Britain calls for orderly transition of power in Egypt

Arab World Materials 11 February 2011 17:19 (UTC +04:00)
Britain on Friday called for an orderly transition of power in Egypt after President Hosni Mubarak announced that he will not resign in response to massive protests against his rule.
Britain calls for orderly transition of power in Egypt

Britain on Friday called for an orderly transition of power in Egypt after President Hosni Mubarak announced that he will not resign in response to massive protests against his rule, Xinhua reported.
  
The BBC quoted Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg as saying that the process should lead to a more democratic and open future for Egypt.
  
Clegg said he could understand the intense frustration of people who had hoped for more from Mubarak's address Thursday night.
  
Foreign Secretary William Hague said Britain is closely studying what Mubarak and Vice President Omar Suleiman have said.
  
"It is not immediately clear what powers are being handed over and what the full implications are," Hague said. "We think the solution to this has to be owned by the Egyptian people themselves. All we want in the United Kingdom is for them to be able to settle their own differences in a peaceful and democratic way."
  
Hague noted that "that's why we've called from the beginning of this crisis for an urgent but orderly transition to a more broadly based government in Egypt, and in the meantime we look to the Egyptian authorities to protect the right to peaceful protest."
  
Mubarak said in a televised speech Thursday night that he will hand over power to Suleiman but will not resign.
  
"According to the constitution, I will shoulder my responsibilities until the country witnesses the stable and peaceful transfer of power in September," Mubarak said.
  
"I'll transfer power to the vice president according to the constitution," he said, adding that "mistakes are possible in any regime, however, it is vital to admit and hold those who make mistakes accountable," he said.
  
Demonstrators angered by Mubarak's announcement continued gathering outside the presidential palace and Tahrir Square.

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