Mubarak Increases Salaries and Pensions

After two weeks of manifestations, Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak increased the salary and pensions for officials by 15%. The new salaries will be paid since April 1. The finance Ministry, Samir Radwane, approved this resolution saying that it will cost the country 6,500 Egyptian pounds, which is more than $1,000 million.

The government also approved the creation of a fund of 5,000 Egyptian pounds. These announcements were made after a second debate between the opposition and the congress, along with the participation of the Muslim Brotherhood, the leaders of the opposition. The Tahrir Square became the symbol of protest in Cairo, and it continues to be occupied by thousands of demonstrators. The protesters swore that they will not leave until Mubarak resigns.

The city of 20 million is returning to their normal activities. United States president Barack Obama assured yesterday that Egypt is solving the crisis. Meanwhile the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu fears that the Egyptian revolt could allow the Islamists to take over the country. According to the report made by the UN, the protests that began on January 25 have claimed the life of 300 people.

Meanwhile the Egyptian soldiers do not allow foreign journalists to enter Cairo’s Tahrir Square. The government would only allow visiting journalists to do their job only if they get the approval from the Ministry of Information. Now only foreign journalists that have their credentials were allowed into the square.

Source: Cairo Press