Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. Egypt Military: Mubarak to 'Meet Protesters' Demands VOA News February 10, 2011 Egyptian lawyers in black robes stream into Cairo's Tahrir Square, February 10, 2011 Photo: AP Egyptian lawyers in black robes stream into Cairo's Tahrir Square, February 10, 2011 Egyptian state television says President Hosni Mubarak will give a speech to the nation late Thursday. Earlier in the day, Egyptian military officials and members of the ruling party said Mr. Mubarak will "meet protesters' demands." Egyptians have been demonstrating for 17 days, calling for the ouster of President Mubarak, who has been in power for nearly 30 years. They have been demanding he leave immediately. [Elizabeth Arrottâs Situation Report from Cairo:] The military's supreme council met Thursday without the commander in chief, Mr. Mubarak. The military announced on state television it supports the "legitimate demands of the people.'' A spokesman said the council was exploring what measures could be made to "safeguard" the nation and its people. Cairo's Tahrir Square, a focal point of the protests, erupted into cheers as news spread at around dusk Thursday. Doctors in white lab coats and lawyers in black robes had earlier flooded into Tahrir Square, linking striking workers with anti-government protesters. In addition to the prolonged protests by thousands in the capital, the opposition has turned to labor actions across Egypt affecting tourism, textiles, railways and the government. NEW: Follow our Middle East reports on [1]Twitter and discuss them on our [2]Facebook page. References 1. http://twitter.com/VOAMidEast 2. http://www.facebook.com/pages/VOAMiddleEastVoices/124360240958667? v=wall .