'Egypt army will not fire on people'

Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, file photo

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/163521.html

US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen says Egypt's army will not fire on protesters as anti-government demonstrations continue in the country.

"I mean in the discussions I've had with their military leadership, they've reassured me that they have no intent to fire on their own people," AFP quoted Mullen as saying.

US military's top officer said to his Egyptian counterpart General Sami Enan on Wednesday that the army is expected to conduct the country to political reforms.

At least ten people were killed on Wednesday when anti-government protesters clashed with plain-clothes policemen and the supporters of President Hosni Mubarak.

Reports say that US is urging Mubarak to immediately relinquish power to accelerate the country's transition to democracy.

The Egyptian leader has expressed readiness for resignation, but has said he fears more chaos will follow if he steps down.

Despite government's crackdown on people, the unprecedented demonstrations have entered their eleventh day which is declared by protesters as the "day of departure" for Mubarak.

Millions of people are scheduled to gather at mosques across the country for communal Friday prayers. They have planned to walk to presidential palace in an effort to force Mubarak to step down.

The Egyptian authorities have come under severe criticism from world leaders for violence against peaceful protesters.

The Egyptian government has also been slammed for attacking and detaining correspondents and reporters during the uprising in the country.