Egypt's government on brink of collapse as crisis deepens

THE Egyptian government appeared on the brink of collapse last night as protests continued against the regime of President Hosni Mubarak.

Visitors to some of the country's major cities were being warned to leave as international pressure on Mr Mubarak continued to grow.

Last night Prime Minister David Cameron and US President Barack Obama agreed in talks that an "orderly Egyptian-led transition" to a more democratic government was needed.

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A Downing Street spokeswoman said: "The leaders discussed their shared and deep concern at the unfolding situation in Egypt.

"The Prime Minister and the President agreed that the Egyptian government must respond peacefully to the ongoing protests.

"They condemned the violence of recent days. It was essential that the Egyptian people were able to exercise the rights of freedom of assembly and of expression.

"The Prime Minister and President Obama were united in their view that Egypt now needed a comprehensive process of political reform, with an orderly, Egyptian-led transition leading to a government that responded to the grievances of the Egyptian people and to their aspirations for a democratic future."

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Travel companies have begun cancelling trips to Egypt, although holidaymakers in the resorts of Sharm el Sheikh, Hurghada and Marsa Alam are not being affected by the demonstrations and services operating to and from the resorts are continuing.

Thousands of people yesterday again ignored a curfew on protests despite the presence of the military on the streets of Cairo. Two fighter jets also swooped low over the centre of protests. More than 100 people are reported to have died and thousands have been injured in six days of violence.

The Foreign Office is advising Britons whose visits are "not essential" to leave Cairo, Alexandria and Suez and has urged others in areas where protests are held to abide by the nationwide curfew.