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As Egyptian Uprising Continues, Zimbabweans Consider Possible Lessons


The Egyptian military said Monday it recognizes the "legitimate demands" of the Egyptian people, and vowed that it "will not use force" against the public.

The military statement comes as tens of thousands of Egyptians continue to protest in Cairo's Tahrir Square, defying the fourth night of a government-imposed curfew as they continue to press for an end to President Hosni Mubarak's nearly 30-year rule.

Protesters called for bigger protests Tuesday in a million-person march in Cairo.

The demonstrators also have called for a general strike, although much of the Egyptian capital already was shut down as demonstrations raged late Monday.

The military statement did not specify whether it considers legitimate the demands for President Hosni Mubarak's removal or just calls for reform.

As the standoff in Cairo continued earlier Monday, VOA correspondent Henry Ridgewell filed an on-the-scene report from the downtown square at the heart of the revolt.

Meanwhile, events in Egypt have generated discussion in Zimbabwe as to whether such an uprising could take place in Harare. President Robert Mugabe has not spoken about Egypt but Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai said Zimbabwe could take the same path.

But Director Sidney Chisi of the Youth Initiative for Democracy in Zimbabwe told VOA Studio 7 reporter Patience Rusere such an event is unlikely to occur in Zimbabwe because the country's military is so clearly lined up behind Mr. Mugabe.

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