Israel Matzav

Mubarak resigns as head of ruling party

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has resigned as head of the ruling National Democratic Party, but not as the country's President. His son and putative successor Gamal has also resigned from his position in the party.

The leadership of Egypt’s ruling National Democratic Party resigned on Saturday, including Gamal Mubarak, the son of President Hosni Mubarak whose rule has been shaken by days of protests, state television said.

Al Arabiya television said Mubarak had also resigned as head of the ruling party. This could not immediately be confirmed.

A party official could not confirm the Al Arabiya report but said that if Mubarak had resigned from the party it would not affect his position as president.

"These are two different positions," the official said.

In its report, state television named the new secretary-general as Hossam Badrawi, seen as a member of the liberal wing of the party.

"(The resignation) is very important politically because this party was exploiting the state for the interests of the party, and that has caused a lot of criticism," said analyst Diaa Rashwan, adding that it had fuelled anger over corruption.

Hmmm.

Labels: Egyptian regime change, Hosni Mubarak, National Democratic Party

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 10:41 PM