Egypt new PM claims more powers than predecessor

[dipsydoodle]

Source: Yahoo News / AP

CAIRO (AP) — Egypt's military rulers picked a prime minister from ousted leader Hosni Mubarak's era to head the next government in a move quickly rejected by tens of thousands of protesters, while the United States ratcheted up pressure on the generals to quickly transfer power to a civilian leadership.

More than 100,000 people packed into Cairo's central Tahrir Square for their biggest demonstration since the current showdown began, with activists accusing the generals of trying to extend the old guard and demanding they step down immediately after failing to stabilize the country, salvage the economy or bring democracy following Mubarak's ouster.

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In a televised statement, he said the military has given him greater powers than his predecessor and he wouldn't have accepted the job if he believed military ruler Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi had any intention of staying in power.

"The powers given to me exceed any similar mandates," he said, looking uncomfortable, grasping for words and repeatedly pausing as he spoke. "I will take full authority so I'm able to serve my country."

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/egypt-pm-claims-more-powers-predecessor-142921289.html

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1. Egypt's military rulers targeted by biggest protest yet

REPORTING FROM CAIRO -- They came by the tens of thousands, swelling through neighborhoods, marching over bridges and pouring into Tahrir Square on Friday in the biggest protest yet against Egypt’s beleaguered military rulers.

The demonstration in Cairo erupted days ahead of Monday’s parliamentary elections, heightening this frayed nation’s political turmoil and intensifying the standoff between protesters who succeeded in ousting longtime President Hosni Mubarak and generals who have yet to solidify their once-unquestioned legitimacy.

In a bold public rebuke, Washington urged the military to step aside. The move signaled the Obama administration’s frustration over months of human-rights abuses and stifled democracy in one of the region’s most influential nations.

“The United States strongly believes that the new Egyptian government must be empowered with real authority immediately,” the White House said in a statement. “Full transfer of power to a civilian government must take place in a just and inclusive manner that responds to the legitimate aspirations of the Egyptian people, as soon as possible."

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/world_now/2011/11/egypt-protests-1.html