Some Egyptian businesses return to work

CAIRO, Feb. 7 (UPI) -- Banks and some businesses in turbulent Egypt reopened Monday and one corporate executive said he looked forward to a busy workweek.

"Working today for the first time since [Jan.] 28. No matter how busy it will get will keep this new smile that is growing on Egyptian faces," wrote Orascom Telecom Chief Executive Officer Khaled Bichara in a Twitter posting, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Workers at Orascom Construction Industries and Orascom Construction NV also returned to their jobs Monday and banks opened for the first time in a week, the Journal reported.

A spokesman for the Egyptian stock market said it would remain closed until Sunday, when it would open for 3 hours.

In Cairo, crowds had thinned out perceptibly in Tahrir Square, the center of anti-government demonstrations for the past two weeks that led to President Hosni Mubarak firing his entire Cabinet and announcing he would not seek re-election in the fall.

Although many demonstrators remained in the square, along with an increased police presence, some street cleaners were at work sweeping up broken glass and rocks.

Youth leaders said the demonstrations were not over, but Mubarak scheduled a normal day of meetings and 6 million government employees were given a 15 percent raise in pay and pensions to take effect in April.

"No one can end the sit-in in Tahrir Square before accepting the demand that Mubarak step down. Anybody who says he can end the sit-in before the people's demands are met is a liar," said youth leader Islam Lotfi on Sunday, the Journal reported.