This is the text of the first communique issued by the Egyptian military. The statement was issued prior to President Hisno Mubarak's speech Thursday, Feb. 10, in which he declined to step down. McClatchy Special Correspondent Miret El Naggar translated.
Based on the responsibility of the Armed Forces and commitment to the protection of the people and the people’s interest and safety, and out of our keenness for the safety of the nation and the citizens, and the possessions of the great Egyptian people, and out of endorsement for the people’s rightful/legitimate demands, the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces held a meeting on Thursday February 10, 2011, to study the current situation and how it develops. The council has decided to continue meeting regularly to study the options and procedures and measures to keep the safety of the nation and the ambitions of the great Egyptian people.
