Egypt: Suleiman, army discuss ways to limit Mubarak's authority
New York Times reports Egyptian vice president, army officials discussing steps to limit president's decision-making authority and possibly remove him from presidential palace in order to allow Suleiman to open negotiations with opposition
However, the sources said the plan is not to strip him of his presidency immediately. According to the plan, a transitional government headed by Suleiman would negotiate with opposition figures to amend Egypt’s Constitution and begin a process of democratic changes.
Earlier on Saturday, protest leaders confirmed they had met with Prime Minister Ahmed Shafik to discuss ways to help Mubarak step down. One source said that one of the options was that Mubarak hand over authorities to Suleiman but stressed that the protests will carry on until the president resigns.
Meanwhile, thousands are demonstrating in Cairo's Tahrir Square. President Mubarak met with economic advisors in the presidential palace.
Also Saturday, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called on Middle Eastern leaders to promote democratic reforms during a security conference in Munich. She noted "Leaders in the region may be able to hold back the tide for a little while, but not for long."
The secretary of state also called on European leaders to join the US in pushing Egypt and other countries to promote political, economic and social reforms. German Chancellor Angela Merkel compared the Egyptian riots to the events which ended communism in Eastern Europe during the conference.
She stressed that change will come. British Prime Minister David Cameron called for a rapid transition to a new leadership.
"The longer it is put off, the more likely we are to get an Egypt we wouldn't welcome," he said.
Reuters contributed to this report
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