Africa

Home page

Africa

Egypt’s Mubarak advises Syrian president to resign

17 August 2011 19:26 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has condemned Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for "crimes perpetrated by the Syrian regime against their own people," Egypt’s Al-Gomhuria daily reported on Wednesday, APA reports quoting RIA Novosti.

Mubarak, who is currently on a trial in Egypt on charges of abuse of office, corruption and ordering the killing of protesters during February’s uprising, said he would "recommend him [Assad] to resign as it is desired by his people."

The former Egyptian leader, 83, who was overthrown in a popular uprising in February, faces the death penalty if convicted of ordering troops to fire on protesters.

Syria has been rocked by mass protests demanding reforms and the resignation of al-Assad for almost six months. Pressure from international powers has mounted to end the crackdown.

Over 2,000 civilians are thought to have been killed since protests began in the southern city of Deraa in mid-March. According to government data, over 500 servicemen and security officers were also killed.