Egypt: Hosni Mubarak records speech denying abuses

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Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has made his first public statement since he was ousted two months ago, saying allegations of corruption against his family are unfounded.

Mr Mubarak resigned in February after mass anti-government protests, fleeing to his Red Sea home in Sharm el-Sheikh.

He said he had the right to defend his reputation and denied having any assets in foreign countries.

He made the comments in a recording broadcast by al-Arabiya TV.

"I have been in great pain because of the unjust campaigns and untrue allegations targeting myself and my family," Mr Mubarak said.

"They aim to tarnish my reputation and discredit my integrity, my stance, my political and military history during which I worked hard for Egypt and its people in peace and war."

Mr Mubarak, 82, had not been heard from since a televised speech on 10 February in which he refused to stand down. A day later, he fled Cairo for his villa by the Red Sea.

He is believed to be in poor health, though his officials have denied this.

Renewed protests
On Friday, Cairo's Tahrir Square once again filled with demonstrators calling for Mr Mubarak and his family to be tried for corruption.

At least one person was killed and dozens were injured when troops moved in to clear the square. The injured suffered gunshot wounds but the army denied using live rounds.

Mr Mubarak said he was willing to co-operate in any investigation to prove that he did not own any property abroad or hold foreign bank accounts.

"I reserve my legal rights toward whoever tried to ruin my and my family's reputation," Mr Mubarak said.

He recorded his speech on Saturday in the wake of the latest protests, al-Arabiya said.

Correspondents say protesters have become impatient with the slow pace of change pursued by the army council which replaced Mr Mubarak after he stood down on 11 February.

Many of them believe the military figures now overseeing political transition are protecting the former president.

Egypt's public prosecutor has already banned Mr Mubarak and his family from leaving the country. Their assets have been frozen. The ban also applies to his sons, Gamal and Alaa, and their wives.

Egypt has already requested a number of governments to freeze the overseas assets of the Mubarak family.

Protesters and anti-corruption campaigners have been pressing for an investigation into the Mubarak family's assets, put at anywhere from $1bn to $70bn (£616m-£43bn).

Three Mubarak-era ministers, including former interior minister Habib el-Adly, have already been charged with corruption.

source : bbc.co.uk

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