Drama grows in Egypt: President Hosni Mubarak's two sons arrived in London with their families, al-Jazeera reported Saturday, as the mayhem in Egypt continued rage out of control.
The report is based on sources in London's Egyptian community.
According to unconfirmed reports, Mubarak's wife, Suzanne, has also left to London, the Qatar- based network said. However, Egypt's television issued an official denial of the story and according to other reports Mubarak's family is still in Cairo.
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Anti-government protesters hit streets throughout Egypt for fifth consecutive day, attack police forces with rocks and firebombs just hours after Mubarak promises Cabinet will resign. So far 74 people have been killed, reports say |
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The president's son, Gamal, was previously expected to succeed his father, but the latest events in Egypt are raising question marks on whether Mubarak junior will indeed end up ruling Egypt.
Meanwhile, President Mubarak appointed Intelligence Chief Omar Suleiman as his deputy, marking the first time the Egyptian leader ever made such appointment.
General Suleiman is considered a staunch supporter of Egypt's military establishment. Local television aired images Saturday afternoon showing Suleiman pledging his allegiance to the president and shaking his hand. Al-Arabiya said the appointment was received warmly in the city of Suez, where major clashes have taken places in recent days. However, it is still too early to predict whether the move will allay the popular anger sweeping through Egypt.
Mubarak also appointed a new prime minister Saturday afternoon - former Egyptian Air Force Chief Ahmed Shafiq, who served as civil aviation minister in the government. The appointment is considered a surprise, as the minister of international trade was expected to form the new Egyptian government
Meanwhile, the families of Israeli diplomats in Cairo returned to Israel in a special flight arranged by the Foreign Ministry. Some 40 Israelis who visited Cairo and asked to return to Israel were also aboard the flight.
Ronen Medzini contributed to the report
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