On Thursday, Egypt’s military announced on state television that it would take steps to “maintain the homeland” and meet the protesters’ demands — a move that was suggested that it was prepared to take power. But, in a nationally televised address on Thursday, President Hosni Mubarak said he would not resign his post. Related Article »
Air Marshal Reda Mahmoud Hafez Mohamed
Air Force commander
Lt. Gen. Sami Hafez Enan
Armed forces chief of staff
Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi
Defense minister
Lt. Gen. Abd El Aziz Seif-Eldeen
Commander of air defense
Reuters TV
Lt. Gen. Sami Hafez Enan
Armed forces chief of staff
The general appeared in Tahrir Square before the council meeting, pledging to meet the demands of the protesters and to safeguard their security. In response, the protesters roared with approval.
Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi
Defense minister
The 75-year-old commander, known by some officers as "Mubarak's poodle," has appeared among the protesters to encourage them to leave. The minister led the supreme council meeting in the absence of President Hosni Mubarak.
Some of the other members in attendance
Vice Admiral Mohab Mamish, Navy commander in chief
Air Marshal Reda Mahmoud Hafez Mohamed, Air Force commander
Lt. Gen. Abd El Aziz Seif-Eldeen, Commander of air defense