
Hassan al Roueini, military commander for the Cairo area, joins protesters in Tahrir Square. "All your demands will be met today,’’ he tells the jubilant crowd, who responded, "The people want the end of the regime,’’ and "God is great." (Suhaib Salem/Reuters) #
For 17 days, tens of thousands of anti-government protesters gathered in Tahrir Square calling for the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak, 30 years in power. They had been acting out of passion for their country and dedication for change. They had protested and waited for a response. The response came in an address from Mubarak to the country and his people. Mubarak would not step down. Then almost miraculously, on the eighteenth day of protests, Vice President Omar Suleiman made a very brief statement on state television. Mubarak had stepped down. The crowds erupted “Egypt is free!” “Egypt is free!” — Paula Nelson (40 photos total)

Feb 12, 11 12:39am
Mubarak undur, tentera ambil alih Mesir
Presiden Mesir Hosni Mubarak akhirnya meletakkan jawatan dan meminta pihak tentera mentadbir negara itu, umum naib presiden Omar Suleiman.
Kenyataan ringkas di stesen televisyen nasional itu dibuat sehari selepas Mubarak bertegas tidak akan melepaskan jawatannya.
Berita pengundurannya itu disambut meriah oleh lebih sejuta rakyat Mesir yang berkumpul di Dataran Tahrir di Kaherah.
Presiden dan keluarnya sebelum itu dilaporkan meninggalkan istana presiden di ibu negara ke Resort Laut Merah Sharm el-Sheihh.
Lelaki yang menerajui Mesir selama 30 tahun dan terlepas dariapda enam cubaan membunuh akhirnya terpaksa akur pada kehendak rakyat yang mahukan perubahan.
Mubarak, 82, meletakkan jawatan hari ini selepas 18 hari protes antikerajaan tanpa gangguan – terbesar pernah dilangsungkan di negara itu.
Mubarak terhindar daripada banyak serangan sebelum ini tetapi suara rakyat akhirnya membuktikan sesuatu.
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