American Special Envoy to the Middle East Frank Wisner told reporters in a satellite video conference in Munich that President Hosni Mubarak should remain in power in order to oversee the transition to democracy. His comments come as Egyptians continue their ongoing demonstrations aimed at ending three decades of authoritarian rule in the country. “What is he talking about? We have spoken. We want Mubarak to go and there is no way we will accept him to do anything for Egypt from now on,” said Mohamed, a 27-year-old anti-government protester. He told Bikya Masr that the United States “should get its act together and support freedom and democracy.” The remarks appear to contradict previous American administration's calls for Mubarak to begin an immediate transition. The State Department has not yet commented on Wisner's statement. It is unclear if this is yet another change in American policy toward Egypt in light of the protests. Wisner said he also welcomed the resignation of Egypt's ruling party leadership. Senior figures including Mubarak's son Gamal have left their posts. Wisner, a former ambassador in Egypt, was sent by US President Barack Obama to Cairo on Monday, apparently to urge Mubarak to announce his departure. “I believe that President Mubarak's continued leadership is crucial – it's his chance to write his own legacy,” he told the Munich Security Conference by video link. He urged people to control their rhetoric – the more Egyptians hear demands from outside the country for Mr Mubarak to stand down, he argued, the more it could have negative consequences. BM
