Egyptian government held talks with opposition

Egypt’s government held talks with the country’s opposition groups today in Cairo.

The Muslim Brotherhood was given a place at the table for the first time in decades. Many had refused to meet representatives of the government unless President Mubarak resigned. But he has refused to do so, saying it will not stand in the election, due in September.

The leadership of the governing National Democratic Party has resigned en masse, seemingly in response to the unrest which has gripped the country.