Egypt crisis: Mohamed ElBaradei edging closer to being named interim president

[Turborama]

Source: Telegraph (UK)

Mohamed ElBaradei was edging towards taking over as Egypt's interim president on Tuesday afternoon as support fell away from President Hosni Mubarak.



By Richard Spencer, Cairo 4:42PM GMT Feb 01 2011

Reports from sources close to the former UN nuclear agency chief said he met senior figures from the army on Tuesday morning as protesters gathered in major cities calling for Mr Mubarak to go.

He also held a meeting with Omar Suleiman, the new vice-president, and representative of a number of opposition parties. Mr Suleiman also talked to other opposition figures.

The US ambassador, was another caller, by telephone – the United States had not confirmed any direct contact with Mr ElBaradeias as late as Monday afternoon.

There was still no direct sign of Mr Mubarak stepping down, and Mr ElBaradei is not personally popular. But the lack of an alternative future for Egypt after a regime change that looks increasingly likely has made the former UN nuclear agency chief the most credible candidate to maintain stable government.

He said in interviews he would serve "if called upon" though he has also said he does not seek office long term.

Read more: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/egypt/8296505/Egypt-crisis-Mohamed-ElBaradei-edging-closer-to-being-named-interim-president.html

[Jefferson23]

1. IF being the operative word..when he arrived at the airport he was

greeted mainly by the press...not the people.

But if the people do want him to serve, good for them....my hope is they can have who they wish to see serve...interim or otherwise.

[tavalon]

2. My thought exactly!

[ElsewheresDaughter]

3. I hope so