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Analyst: President Mubarak to Blame for Violence

   Peter Clottey  February 02, 2011

Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS

   Anti-government  demonstrators carry a man wounded during clashes with
   pro-government protesters, at a makeshift medical triage station, near
   Tahrir square, the center of anti-government demonstrations, in Cairo,
   Egypt,  Wednesday,  Feb. 2, 2011. Thousands of supporters of President
   Hosni  Mubarak  clashed  with  anti-government  protesters  as Egypt's
   upheaval took a dangerous new turn. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)

   The chairman of the Alternatives Forum for Political Studies in Egypt,
   an  independent political think tank, told VOA President Hosni Mubarak
   is  to  blame  for  the  violent  clashes  between  his supporters and
   anti-government protesters, who demand he âimmediatelyâ, step down and
   cede power.

   Anti-government   protesters   are   blaming   undercover  police  for
   Wednesdayâs violent clashes.

   Amr ElShobaki said the countryâs crisis could, in his words, be easily
   resolved  if  Mr.  Mubarak  steps  down  and  hands  over  power  to a
   transition team to lead the country towards democracy.

   âFor sure, he (Mr. Mubarak) is responsible because thatâs the behavior
   of  his  party  in every election and his police (for) 30 years,â said
   ElShobaki.

   The  United States has condemned the recent bloodshed in Egypt and has
   called  on  the government to show restraint against protesters. White
   House   spokesman  Robert  Gibbs  said  Wednesday  the  United  States
   âdeploresâ the violence.

   He said any violence instigated by the Egyptian government should stop
   immediately.

   ElShobaki said pro-Mubarak supporters often use violence to intimidate
   opponents.

   âThe problem can be resolved at the moment he (Mr. Mubarak) steps down
   now. And, for sure, Omar Suleiman and Ahmed Shafik, the vice president
   and  the  prime  minister, can start a transition period to change the
   country,â said ElShobaki.

   âWe can start the democratization of this country in the system within
   the  regime.  But,  I  think  it  will be very difficult (because) the
   people canât accept that from President Mubarak, especially after what
   we  saw  (clashes) yesterday (Wednesday) and the responsibility of the
   president for that.â

   Chaos  engulfed  Cairo  Wednesday  as  supporters  of  Mr. Mubarak and
   protesters  calling  for  his  ouster  battled  with stones, fists and
   clubs.

   Reporters in Cairo's central square said troops fired warning shots in
   a  bid  to end the clashes. Army vehicles were seen trying to separate
   the  rival  demonstrators.  At  least  one  soldier  was killed in the
   violence.

   Pro-government rioters were seen throwing firebombs at anti-government
   protesters.

   ElShobaki  said  anti-government  protesters  are likely to accept the
   prospect of the vice president leading the country on its path towards
   democracy.

   âIf (Mr.) Mubarak gives him the authorization to lead this transition,
   a  (majority)  of Egyptians can accept that. But, still, (Mr.) Mubarak
   doesnât want to give this chance to Mr. Omar Suleiman.â

   Â

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