DUSHANBE, February 4, 2011, Asia-Plus /- The situation in Cairo remains uncertain, Tajik Ambassador to Egypt Narzullo Nazarov told Asia-Plus by phone Friday afternoon.
According to him, after Friday prayers, tens of thousands have gathered in Cairo’s central Tahrir Square again, demanding President Mubarak’s resign.
“Most likely, today’s events will show what further developments will be,” Tajik diplomat said, adding that Tajik diplomatic mission is taking measures to ensure security of Tajik nationals who are currently in Cairo. “Some 200 Tajik citizens, primarily students, are now in Cairo; 50 of them have arrived in Egypt with their families,” Nazarov noted.
“We are continuing to prepare the list of Tajik nationals wanting to return home,” said Tajik envoy, “To-date, 130 people have been put on this list.”
As it had been reported earlier, 17 Tajik public servants that were taking training course in Cairo returned home on a transit flight via Istanbul, Turkey on February 3.
Nazarov noted if the situation deteriorated the government of Tajikistan would organize for Tajik nationals a direct flight from Cairo to Dushanbe.
International media outlets report that tens of thousands of Egyptians are taking part in a “day of departure” today to try to oust President Hosni Mubarak.
There is an increased army presence in Cairo”s Tahrir Square after unrest that has led to hundreds of casualties, BBC reported.
According to BBC, the stronger army presence secured the perimeter and the soldiers appear to be on good terms with the protesters. The demonstrators chanted: “The army and people are united.”
Defense Minister General Mohamed Hussein Tantawi and other military leaders joined the armed forces in the square. The secretary general of the Arab League, Amr Moussa, who has not ruled out standing for president, is also reported to be in Tahrir Square.
BBC reports there are also many more tanks and soldiers out on the streets in Egypt’s second city of Alexandria than before.
The United Nations estimates that more than 300 people have died since the unrest broke out on January 25, with about 4,000 hurt.
