World

Egyptian VP Meets With Opposition Groups & Muslim Brotherhood; Makes Concessions

CAIRO (AP) — Egypt’s vice president met a wide representation of major opposition groups for the first time Sunday and agreed to allow freedom of the press, to release those detained since anti-government protests began nearly two weeks and ago and to lift the country’s hated emergency laws when security permits.

Vice President Omar Suleiman endorsed a plan with the opposition to set up a committee of judiciary and political figures to study proposed constitutional amendments that would allow more candidates to run for president and impose term limits on the presidency, the state news agency reported. The committee was given until the first week of March to finish the tasks.

The regime also pledged not to harass those participating in the anti-government protests, which have drawn hundreds of thousands at the biggest rallies. The government also agreed not to hamper freedom of press and not to interfere with text messaging and Internet.

Sunday‘s meeting was the broadest representation of Egypt’s fragmented opposition to meet with the new vice president since the protests demanding the immediate ouster of longtime President Hosni Mubarak began on Jan. 25.

The opposition groups represented included the youthful supporters of leading democracy advocate Mohamed ElBaradei, who are one of the main forces behind the protests.

The outlawed Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt’s largest opposition group, and a number of smaller leftist, liberal groups also attended the meeting, according to footage shown on state television.

Mubarak, Egypt’s ruler of nearly 30 years, has rejected calls to step down immediately and instead promised a package of unspecified political reforms – part of a series of concessions the regime has made in an unsuccessful bid to quell the protests.

The two sides also agreed at the meeting that the government would open an office that would field complaints about political prisoners, according to the state news agency.

The government also pledged to commission judicial authorities to fight corruption and prosecute those behind it. It agreed to investigate and prosecute those responsible for the yet unexplained disappearance of police from Cairo’s streets more than a week ago, which unleashed a wave of lawless looting and arson.

Egypt’s emergency laws were imposed by Mubarak when he took office in 1981 and they have been in force ever since. The laws give police far-reaching powers for detention and suppression of civil and human rights. Lifting the laws has been a longtime demand by the opposition.

Comments (54)

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  • GenEarly
    Posted on February 6, 2011 at 2:16pm

    What was the difference between the American Revolution and the French Revolution?
    We are supposed to have a representative republic so, unlike Egypt, we can effect change by contacting our representatives and if that fails changing representatives at the ballot box which is a serious undertaking. Violent street riots will be reserved for union thugs, government dependents and 60′s warmed over radicals..

    Report Post » GenEarly  
  • HowardBeale1
    Posted on February 6, 2011 at 1:56pm

    Another one BITES the dust. This is what happens when others try and push on you what they think is best. REAL freedom for the Egyptian people is now a pipe dream. The more “the Brotherhood” gets a say in how things are done, the tighter the grip of Sharia gets on the proverbial neck of that country. I hope they can avoid it, but it‘s lookin’ REAL BAD right about now. *sigh*

    Report Post »  
  • Panzer
    Posted on February 6, 2011 at 1:37pm

    You people are hilarious. Here you’ve got a dictator whose secret police beats and tortures people, people who are literally risking their lives for freedom and democracy, and you can‘t make up your minds whether the Tea Party is just like that or whether it’s part of Obama’s secret Muslim plot to take over the world. Get real, people. All your huffing and puffing about tyranny and taking our country back looks pretty silly compared to what’s going on in Egypt. They’re serious, you’re not.

    Report Post »  
  • johnniereb
    Posted on February 6, 2011 at 1:29pm

    Add your comments

    Report Post »  
  • johnniereb
    Posted on February 6, 2011 at 1:26pm

    hideo35, your full of __it. The US has been a Godsend to the pople living under dictators through out the world. Go dctate your BS elsewhere.

    Report Post »  
    • hideo35
      Posted on February 6, 2011 at 2:14pm

      the russia thing was a hypothetical.. of course the US has taken over dictators.. only because of their own selfish interests do they do that.. you tell me why most people, countries dont like america.. america is a bully.. they do what they want and they dont care who they hurt, as long as their interests are protected.. geezus they are even willing to let their own people die for it.. its sad.. they act like they are the only ones in the world that matter.. its kind of a joke actually…

      Report Post »  
  • Sinista Mace
    Posted on February 6, 2011 at 1:17pm

    The Muslim Brotherhood is not the “opposition”.

    This is ElBaradei’s work.

    Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
  • hideo35
    Posted on February 6, 2011 at 12:52pm

    what goes around comes around people… the US has been ******* people off for years and years.. you tell me, say a country like russia decided to invade the US, take over the government, kill all the citizens, rape and pillage all the resources, and tell us how to live, how to act, and what we should believe in.. you tell me you wouldnt be pissed and say death to russia…… the US has been doing this all over the world, especially in the middle east… no wonder most of the world doesnt like the USA…

    Report Post »  
    • RobR
      Posted on February 6, 2011 at 1:09pm

      Nice try Barack, you’re not fooling anyone.

      Report Post » Barack Must Go  
  • DeadFred
    Posted on February 6, 2011 at 12:34pm

    I dare say….the way BHO has treated Israel ….I shudder to think.

    Report Post »  
  • RobR
    Posted on February 6, 2011 at 12:31pm

    On this mornings Meet The Press left wing zealot David Gregory asked Egypt’s muslim brotherhood frontman, ElBaradei, if he were to be involved in the new supposedly democrat government would he keep the same relationship with Israel.

    ElBaradei matter of factly stated, he would not accept Israel as a neighbor unless they give up their fight with the Palestinians.

    Obama, the muslim prince knows this to be the case, yet demands the overthrow of Mabarak’s government to commence as he has demanded.

    No more proof, not birth certificate nor transcripts, is needed to understand America has a muslim terrorist living in our White House.

    By the way, if you go to today’s HULU of the Today Show, the Obama regimes media arm at NBC has comepletely scrubed the Elbaradei interview from the available content of todays program……I wonder why?

    Report Post » Barack Must Go  
    • hideo35
      Posted on February 6, 2011 at 2:21pm

      once again, america controlling everything.. the whole damn country of egypt is pissed.. shouldnt they be allowed to choose who they want as their leader, not some american puppet who does terrible things to his own people and does whatever the US says?? money and religion are gonna take this world down… not obama, hes also a puppet..

      Report Post »  
  • Morningbird
    Posted on February 6, 2011 at 11:46am

    Revolution is Coming to America!!

    Mubarak’s problems stem from corrupt govt. as we’ve had in America for decades (by both pol. parties). This is a worldwide wave caused by economic issues.

    Just read a new book out that’s about revolution happening in America. It’s so real so I recommend it cause the same issues are now facing us. Just read it & see how it starts.
    booksbyoliver.com

    Report Post »  
  • Mr. John Sauls
    Posted on February 6, 2011 at 11:42am

    I Smell an ad man. This is too well organized to be spontaneous. First they protest, then it turns into a riot, then police disappear, and the army starts patrolling the streets, followed by pro-Mubarak supporters showing up to fight, then a new V.P. with a peace plan show up, and all the diverse factions agree to talks. Makes for a good movie. But in the month this has been going on, too many parts are moving too fast. This was prescript, preplanned, and had elements in motion before it hit the News.

    Report Post »  
  • ThankGod4FoxNews
    Posted on February 6, 2011 at 11:21am

    I’m just glad Mubarak is taking instructions from Israel and not Odumbo. And that conversation probably goes something like this…Mubarak, keep the Muslim Brotherhood from taking over your country or we may be forced to turn Egypt into a parking lot.

    Report Post »  
  • USA_DisabledVet
    Posted on February 6, 2011 at 11:10am

    It is too late for the United States to do anything about Egypt for the most part. Egypt‘s going to do what Egypt’s going to do, there’s nothing stopping it, not even Israel. Israel won’t do anything because the last thing they want to do is unite all the Muslims in the region against them. Believe me when I say that Israel is not going to do anything to provoke the situation.

    Report Post »  
    • MareeClaire
      Posted on February 6, 2011 at 6:52pm

      Glenn Beck is endangering Israel by inflaming the Mideast situation.

      Report Post »  
  • rappini
    Posted on February 6, 2011 at 10:49am

    The MB doesn’t have a problem making consessions they will lie through their teeth to achieve any part of their goal to get closer to Israel.

    Report Post » rappini  
  • birdsaresinging
    Posted on February 6, 2011 at 10:43am

    Almost impossible to read or typei am typing in the right words can not see what I am typing

    Report Post »  
  • anutter
    Posted on February 6, 2011 at 10:42am

    The Muslim Brotherhood. Egypt today, attending the next state dinner here tomorrow.

    Report Post »  
  • birdsaresinging
    Posted on February 6, 2011 at 10:40am

    Why is the iPhone letters light grey

    Report Post »  
  • birdsaresinging
    Posted on February 6, 2011 at 10:36am

    When uson my iPhone all the letters are light grey does aNyone have the same problem

    Report Post »  
  • scoter
    Posted on February 6, 2011 at 10:32am

    Obama has let us all down.

    Report Post » scoter  
    • Jovan2
      Posted on February 6, 2011 at 1:37pm

      Not yet…..Haven‘t you heard he’s headed to Mexico next week. This is after his visit w/Canada this week? Hummmmmmmm, with all the other uprisings in the Middle East, and the fact that Mexico has been a mess for a couple of years now, wonder what is up with all that? Does the term, North Amreican Union sound familiar to yah? We know how it goes now, yah gotta always watch the other hand. I mean gosh, if he wants to meet with the radical islasmists…..all he has to do is head to mexico, save gas and time from flying to the middle east. Oh, and let’s not forget the chinese and their bases… SAD….. But, GOD is still on the throne, no matter what plan they have, He has a better one!!!!!!

      Report Post »  
  • VerySeniorCitizen
    Posted on February 6, 2011 at 10:08am

    Does anyone here see any comparison between the people of Israel demonstrating – and the Tea Party protesting in 2010?

    Would this country have allowed ANY administration from any other country to insist that we do things differently?

    And so, the USA – and the rest of the world MUST stay out of Egypt’s politics and allow the people to create their own government. Maybe we will like what they do, Maybe we won’t. But it must be their decision.

    Report Post »  
    • VerySeniorCitizen
      Posted on February 6, 2011 at 10:26am

      My comment should have read – Does anyone here see any comparison between the people of EGYPT (not ISRAEL) demonstrating? Sorry for the error!

      Report Post »  
    • cykonas
      Posted on February 6, 2011 at 11:27am

      You are a singular voice of reason, sir/maam.

      Report Post » cykonas  
    • tess q
      Posted on February 6, 2011 at 12:05pm

      the people of egypt are protesting for their freedom. the tea party is trying to keep our freedom. yes they are both talking about freedom. the question is do they define freedom the same way? just as they have people that don’t believe in their constitution so do we.
      i have always said the more power the government has the more vulnerable the citizens are that they will abuse that power. we are witnessing it now and the struggle to put the power back in the hands of the people both in egypt and here in our own country. i hope we both succeed!

      Report Post » tess q  
    • VerySeniorCitizen
      Posted on February 6, 2011 at 1:58pm

      Tess, I understand that you are going to take this as a criticism, but it is meant as a little suggestion.

      Education is the greatest freedom that anyone can achieve, because it is only with education that points can be emphasized and discussed. You might try putting your schooling (and your caps key) to use when writing. You make good points but you will only be taken seriously if you show your talent with the english language.

      Report Post »  
    • MareeClaire
      Posted on February 6, 2011 at 6:48pm

      In 1965, Skousen’s nephew helped spread rumor that NAACP was sending 2000 black Muslims to attack Tabernacle http://tinyurl.com/3×7crya

      Hmm.. Looks like someone is taking a page from the playbook of the past re fearmongering against Muslims.

      Report Post »  
    • VerySeniorCitizen
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 9:05am

      MARIECLAIRE – If you hear the quotes from the John Birch Society today, then listen to Beck’s program tomorrow, you will find that the Birch quotes are repeated – almost word for word.

      I totally agree with you. Thanks – and I apologize for taking so long to answer you!

      Report Post »  
  • taskmaster78
    Posted on February 6, 2011 at 10:07am

    Here comes the next Iranian government. Good Lord can anyone tell me when Carter got back in office? I take it back Obama actually is making Carter look competent.

    Report Post »  
  • 912828Buckeye
    Posted on February 6, 2011 at 10:07am

    I hope the young people get their way. They don‘t want no stink’n muslim law of stoning.
    They want to get out of the 8th century.

    Report Post » 912828Buckeye  
    • AZpatriotmama
      Posted on February 6, 2011 at 11:16am

      I beg to differ. In a recent poll 82% of the Egyptians polled were pro-Shariah law.

      Report Post »  
  • ares338
    Posted on February 6, 2011 at 10:06am

    Isn’t it amazing how the Muslim Brotherhood has slid into 3rd base. Before long they will be trotting to home base with the blessings of the Big “O”.

    Report Post » ares338  
    • Xcori8r
      Posted on February 6, 2011 at 12:08pm

      Good analogy, but I think it is more like 2nd base. If things work out, they will stay in the game but be kept in a perpetual base play between the Egyptian Military at third and radical Islam (2nd base).

      Report Post » Xcori8r  
  • felina g
    Posted on February 6, 2011 at 10:02am

    Bad juju.

    Report Post »  
  • 79USMC83
    Posted on February 6, 2011 at 10:01am

    The “Speech Giver” KNEW all along about Egypt and this is exactly what he wants to happen in the Middle East !!! Why did he give that I APOLOGIZE for America Sermon in Cairo in the first place ????

    Social Justice and Sharia Law are he same thing in the eyes of a ONE PARTY rule society !!!! It is funny that when a Presidential campaign is on the Horizon that things get changed by EVENTS !! Health-Care,Economy and unemployment are now are being replaced by Foreign Policy problems!!!

    Who do you think the MUSLIM countries want to see as OUR next President, Barry Hussein Obama or a CONSERVATIVE !!!!

    Global Economy,Global Warming,Global Justice and Global SHARIA Law is what the MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD stand for also !!!

    Look at their English website and notice the sickle and hammer communist ad !!

    http://www.ikhwanweb.com/articles.php?pid=92

    TERM LIMITS NOW !!

    FAIR TAX NOW !!

    CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS UNITE !!

    Report Post »  
    • Cobra Blue
      Posted on February 6, 2011 at 10:35am

      That’s right…Give in to the demands of the extremists. Play to their hand. Two wrongs don’t make a right. You compromise now you will be defeated tomorrow. The Mooslem Brohood is not your friend. Unless you are a liberal progressive. and only friends until they have used you to promote their agenda and take control. When they have become the majority power even the liberal progressives will lose their heads. Unitl then they are useful pawns in the grand plan. The fix is in. Self-Reliiance..Get Prepared. Pay day is coming…

      Report Post »  
    • Xcori8r
      Posted on February 6, 2011 at 10:53am

      I‘m no Obama fan and I’m no Hillary fan, but I think there is a lot more going on here than meets the eye and they are much more shrewd and in control than they are being given credit for.

      The military in Egypt has control and it won’t be losing it anytime soon. They are not likely to fold like the military did in Iran. Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.

      Similar prep work seems to have been done in Tunisia and Yemen. Assad in Syria might have the biggest problem but that is a net zero move in a strategically marginal area and no skin off our backs- nothing Israel can’t handle.

      A possible scenario would be that the military keeps things under control, Mubarak resigns with a billion or so US dollars he stashed away for a rainy day, the VP Suleiman takes over until elections, the MB supports General Enan in the elections and he (the military) runs the country. I don’t know if he is any better or worse than Mubarak for our interests – time will tell.

      Isn‘t it a little strange that the markets aren’t spooked and that the price of oil is back around $90.00?

      I would not be surprised, though, if Glenn moderates his “lost” domino position this week.

      Report Post » Xcori8r  
    • tifosa
      Posted on February 6, 2011 at 11:37am

      Suleiman is a violator of human rights, as was Mubarak. In the end, this is the choice of the people of Egypt. Any implication that President Obama advocates for the Muslim Brotherhood to be in a leadership role in Egypt is disingenuous, but certainly helps amp up the ire against him. Clearly the intent…

      Report Post » tifosa  
    • rodamaa
      Posted on February 6, 2011 at 12:48pm

      Sharia Law is a theocratic barbaric set of rules that border on sociopathic behavior.

      Social Justice is ruse to get you to accept totalitarian, big government regulation as a solution.

      In my view they do have fundamental differences but both are however, only truly compatible with a totalitarian government. Or what our founding fathers called “Tyranny” . It is shocking that we are under yoke of Obama’s dream. We need to be strong and repel this once and for all.

      Report Post »  
    • fastfwd
      Posted on February 6, 2011 at 1:13pm

      Yes indeed ! Seems they were (they includes bush) warned just before Barry was sworn in as president. Obama is probably having a party to celebrate another terrorist state to come against Israel !

      Show me the birth certificate or get out of our white house !

      Report Post » fastfwd  
    • npbreakthrough
      Posted on February 6, 2011 at 1:25pm

      you hit the nail on the head 79……..
      under sharia law the government must provide the
      food clothing and shelter……..

      and of course the leaders rule by decree,
      christians and jews are allowed, as long as they pay the protection tax and dont mind being considered 2cnd class citizens

      Report Post » npbreakthrough  
    • MareeClaire
      Posted on February 6, 2011 at 6:46pm

      In 1965, Skousen’s nephew helped spread rumor that NAACP was sending 2000 black Muslims to attack Tabernacle http://tinyurl.com/3×7crya

      Hmm. History seems to be repeating itself re scare tactics against Muslims.

      Report Post »  
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