Muslim Brotherhood throws support behind ElBaradei

Opposition figure calls on Mubarak to "leave today," calling it "non-negotiable for every Egyptian"; banned Islamic opposition party, other groups give ElBaradei mandate to negotiate unity government.

By JPOST.COM STAFF, ASSOCIATED PRESS
ElBaradei Cairo 311 (photo credit: Associated Press)
ElBaradei Cairo 311
(photo credit: Associated Press)
The Muslim Brotherhood on Sunday threw its support behind Egyptian opposition figure Mohamed ElBaradei to hold proposed negotiations with the government in order to form a unity government.
Speaking to Al-Jazeera, Muslim Brotherhood official Essam el-Eryan said that "political groups support ElBaradei to negotiation with the regime."
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ElBaradei, in an interview aired on CNN Sunday, said that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak must leave the country immediately.
"It is loud and clear from everybody in Egypt that Mubarak has to leave today, and it is non-negotiable for every Egyptian." he said. He added that it should "be followed by a smooth transition [to] a national unity government to be followed by all the measures set in place for a free and fair election."
Click here for full Jpost coverage of unrest in Egypt
Click here for full Jpost coverage of unrest in Egypt
Addressing Mubarak's Friday night move to sack his entire cabinet, ElBaradei said, "I think this is a hopeless, desperate attempt by Mubarak to stay in power." He added that it "is loud and clear from everybody in Egypt that Mubarak has to leave today, and it is non-negotiable for every Egyptian."
The statements came as protests continued in central Cairo, where tens of thousands of protesters were reportedly gathered despite an announced curfew and strong military presence. Fighter jets swooped low over Cairo in what appeared to be an attempt by the military to show its control of a city beset by looting, armed robbery and anti-government protests.
Minutes before the start of a 4 p.m. curfew, at least two jets appeared and made multiple passes over downtown, including a central square where thousands of protesters were calling for the departure of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.