General

Mubarak resigns

Egyptian president reportedly leaves Cairo for the Red Sea resort of Sharm al-Shaikh

After eighteen days of mass anti-government protests, violence and civil chaos, Hosni Mubarak, Egypt’s beleaguered dictator, is giving up his post as president. Vice-President Omar Suleiman announced Mubarak’s departure via state television. “In the name of God the merciful, the compassionate, citizens, during these very difficult circumstances Egypt is going through,” said Suleman, “President Hosni Mubarak has decided to step down from the office of president of the republic and has charged the high council of the armed forces to administer the affairs of the country.” Mubarak left Cairo on Friday for the Red Sea resort of Sharm al-Shaikh, according to sources who spoke to Al Jazeera. Egypt’s army has said it will end the country’s state of emergency law, which came into effect 30 years ago in 1981, when Mubarak inherited power following the assassination of President Anwar Sadat.

Al Jazeera English

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