Protesters in central Cairo this afternoon

© Flickr/Sahah Carr/afrol News

afrol News, 31 January - The Egyptian army has said it will not use force against protesters, adding that the people's demands are "legitimate". This gives a green light to the protesters, whose main demand is that Mubarak must go.

The announcement from the Egyptian army was broadcasted through state television. "The presence of the army in the streets is for your sake and to ensure your safety and wellbeing. The armed forces will not resort to use of force against our great people," the statement said.

"Your armed forces, who are aware of the legitimacy of your demands and are keen to assume their responsibility in protecting the nation and the citizens, affirms that freedom of expression through peaceful means is guaranteed to everybody," it added.

There are therefore no significant forces hindering the success of the popular revolution in Egypt. There remain few options for President Hosni Mubarak others than to lay down his office.

There have not been made any moves to secure the presidential palace or otherwise to drive the President out of office today. If President Mubarak remains in power tomorrow, the announced march of one million protesters against the presidential palace - together with a general strike - will most likely mean the end of the Mubarak regime.

The protesters earlier today demanded the armed forces take side in the struggle, either for the protesters or for the Mubarak regime. The army was given until Thursday morning. At the same time, a storm against the presidential palace after the Friday prayers was announced.

With the army support for the protesters, there will be nobody stopping the marches when they approach the presidential palace. People in central Cairo are already shouting "Game over Mubarak".

Meanwhile, at central Cairo's Tahrir Square, there are still tens of thousands of protesters defying the curfew, many of which are planning to spend the night. The mood at Tahrir is good. People are chanting, assisting each other, eating and celebrating.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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