Egyptian military says it is in control, but protesters stay put

February 12, 2011

CAIRO, February 12, 2011

The Egyptian military asserted on Saturday that it managed to fill the political

void left behind with the departure of Hosni Mubarak, President for 30 years,

and was ready to steer the country's transition to democracy in the post-Mubarak

era.

An army spokesman reassured Egypt's allies, the United States and Israel, that

Cairo would abide by all international treaties, including the 1979 peace treaty

with Israel. Without stating any timelines, the spokesman said the current

civilian leadership would continue until a new government was formed.

At the Tahrir Square, the feeling of deep accomplishment brought about by Mr.

Mubarak's unceremonious exit on Friday is giving way to serious circumspection.

Many question how the pro-democracy movement should adapt to the post-Mubarak

era. Can the all powerful military top brass be trusted for ushering in a

democratic transition in Egypt? Was it time to wind up the Tahrir Square

encampment, the most visible symbol of the uprising?

As the debate raged, a group describing itself as the " People of the 25 January

Revolution " coalition has announced " continuation of the peaceful revolution

until final victory is achieved and all demands are met. " The statement issued

by the group said it was seeking " immediate " abolition of the Emergency law, a

hated provision that anchors denial of civil liberties to the Egyptian

citizenry. The coalition also called for abolition of the current Constitution,

as well as dissolution of the People's Assembly and local councils.

As the military began exploring options, pro-democracy leader Mohamed ElBaradei

suggested during an interview with CNN that he favoured formation of a

" government of national unity " to steer the political transition. A three-member

supervisory " presidential council " with one member from the military sharing

power with two civilians should be formed to smoothen the transition.

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