Egypt: Prime Minister And Entire Cabinet Resign
By Ria Novosti
The Egyptian government headed by Prime Minister Isam Sharaf stepped down on Monday in response to tensions caused by some 30,000 protesters gathering on the capital’s central Tahrir Square.
The official request for the entire cabinet to step down has been delivered to the military Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, which is temporarily governing the country and will make a decision on whether to grant the request. The government has promised to completely fulfill its duties until the council makes its final decision.
Local media have reported the Supreme Council has accepted the Cabinet’s resignation; however, no official announcement from Cairo has been received.
“Taking into consideration the situation that the country is presently in, the government will fulfill its functions until the appropriate decision is made,” Egyptian Cabinet spokesman Mohammed Hijazi said.
Some 30,000 protesters have gathered on Tahrir Square demanding the military government, unwelcomed by much of the population, transfer power to a civilian cabinet. The announcement of the government’s resignation was greeted with applause on Cairo’s main square.
Egyptian media earlier reported the Cabinet had intentions of resigning on Sunday; however, the Supreme Council requested the interim government remain in office and continue working and would return to the issue of their resignation after elections.
About 50,000 protesters rallied on Tahrir Square and near the Interior Ministry for around 48 hours before military police attempted to disperse the crowds on Sunday evening. The April Sixth movement that is one of the main organizers of Egyptian protests has called for constant protests on Tahrir. Young activists pledge to leave the square as soon as the military government sets a date of transferring power.
