According to a transcript of his comments to leaders of his new government read on state-run Nile TV, Mubarak acknowledged what he called “peaceful demonstrations” as well as grievances about the economy. Thousands of protesters have hit the streets of Cairo, Alexandria and beyond calling for the president’s ouster as well as substantial reforms.
“The current stage requires us to reorganize the country’s priorities in a way that acknowledges the legitimate demands of the people,” he said.
The president, again recognizing the depth of the unrest, urged those charged with shaping the new Cabinet — specifically, his newly appointed Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq — to pursue “a wide range of dialogue with all the (political) parties.”
Such discussions, he said, “will achieve the democratic process.”
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