E Savvy-Safety

eleaguered Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has announced a new cabinet amid mounting pressure from protesters, who have gathered in Cairo again in their tens of thousands.

Interior Minister Habib al-Adly, widely despised by protesters, and the finance minister have been replaced.

However, correspondents say it is likely demonstrators will only settle for Mr Mubarak's removal from office.

Protesters have called a general strike and plan a huge march on Tuesday.

Mr Mubarak, who has been in power for 30 years, has ordered new Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq to push through democratic reforms and create new jobs.

But there are few major changes in the new cabinet line-up, with Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit and Defence Minister Gen Mohamed Hussein Tantawi - who also becomes deputy PM - both keeping their posts.
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At The Scene
image of Kevin Connolly Kevin Connolly BBC News, Cairo

On the seventh day of the crisis which will help define Egypt's future, the extraordinary is beginning to feel ordinary. The now familiar rhythms of a day of protest are re-establishing themselves. Demonstrators remain on Tahrir Square, their numbers fluctuating over the course of the day.

Egypt remains trapped in the pre-internet age to which government censorship has dragged it back. Military helicopters drone overhead. The role of the army remains enigmatic. Troops are on the street and military checkpoints have been playing a more assertive role in controlling traffic crossing the bridges over the Nile.

The soldiers see themselves as a force for stability and while some of their armoured vehicles are daubed with graffiti that reads "Down with Mubarak", it's also true that the very act of preserving order helps the old regime to maintain its grip on power.

The opposition is declaring a general strike and talks of bringing a million people on to the streets on Tuesday but it's far from clear that they have the coherent structure to...