Egypt's ousted president Hosni Mubarak on Sunday hit out at what he called an "unjust campaign" of "lies" against him, denying he had any assets abroad and threatening to sue his defamers, in his first public statement since being forced out.
Mubarak chose to break his silence at a time when protesters have gathered yet again at Cairo's Tahrir Square, now demanding the former president's trial. In a pre-recorded message to Al Arabiya television, Mubarak said he will cooperate with a probe into his own and his family's assets, but defended himself against a campaign of "distortions, lies and incitement".
"I want to make sure that the Egyptian people know I only own assets in a bank account inside the country," said the former president. "All the assets I own and my sons are far from any allegations of corruption," he said.
With fresh protests in the country, pressure is mounting on the military to try Mubarak for corruption and other allegations. Two protesters were killed yesterday as security forces used force to disperse them from the Tahrir Square.
"I agree to submit any written letters to help the general prosecutor and foreign ministry to ask any government in the world to expose my assets abroad since I took office," Mubarak said. Mubarak was forced to step down on February 11 following a mass uprising against his 30 year rule.
He has since then been confined to his residence in the resort city of Sharm-el-Sheikh. But the 82-year-old insisted on Sunday that he had given up his position in "the interest of the country", and that he has "decided to stay away from politics".
"I cannot stay silent regarding the incitement campaign against me," he said, adding that the "unjust campaign" had left him in "a lot of pain". He said he had "waited for weeks" for the general prosecutor's office to conduct its investigations.
"After the legal process is complete, I reserve the right to legally pursue those who engaged in lies and distortions against me," he said.
