Mubarak refuses to resign, fury and confusion abounds
WASHINGTON, Feb. 10 (Tantao News) – After a day of reports that his resignation was imminent, a defiant President Hosni Mubarak addressed the youth who have led the protests against him as my “sons and daughters” and said that he was grateful to those who are asking for a better future. He acknowledged that their demands are legitimate.
Mubarak made it clear that he will not accept foreign interventions and reiterated that he will not run for President in the next election. A dialogue has been started and will continue.
He has transferred powers to the Vice President and the priority is to facilitate free elections. “The situation is not about me, Hosni Mubarak, but all citizens.” “Egyptians will solve …on their own with our own glory and pride.” “This will remain my land until I die and am buried.’
After the speech, the massive crowd in Tahrir Square erupted with fury and reiterated their call for Mubarak to go.
Vice President Omar Suleiman appeared later on Egyptian State TV asking the protestors to go home as he pledged to follow the road map that had been established to restore stability, security, and normal life.
What will come next is unclear. The White House will need to assess Mubarak’s position after the CIA Director Leon Panetta stated earlier in the day that Mubarak may be stepping down. The media that appeared confident in their daylong prediction that Mubarak would resign seemed at a loss