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Summary Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak said on Thursday that he refuses to step down but will transfer powers to Vice President Omar Suleiman, according to the constitution. Thousands of protestors in Cairo's Tahrir Square cheer after President Hosni Mubarak announced on Egypt State TV that he is to transfer powers to Vice President Omar Suleiman.
In a television address President Mubarak said that he would transfer power to prove that the demands of protesters will be met by dialogue. He said that his newly appointed Vice President Omar Suleiman would serve as a transitional leader. Egypts President Hosni Mubarak looked likely to step aside on Thursday after the military high command took control of the nation in what some called a military coup after two weeks of unprecedented protests. Convinced about the honest intentions of young protesters, Mubarak was also said to be set to repeat that he would not run for another term as president in September elections. Anything less than quitting could provoke a powerful reaction from the street where the core of protesters want his immediate resignation and reject any political maneuvering that allows him to stay on in some capacity, perhaps as a figurehead.News that Mubarak may hand over power, or be unseated, in this key American ally in the Middle East had provoked loud and emotional cheers in Cairos Tahrir Square, the focal point for pro-democracy demonstrations. But some in the crowd were quick to protest they did not want military rule.Ahead of the address, hundreds of thousands flocked to the square and the surrounding streets with some organizers saying this had been the biggest turnout yet to celebrate their role in modern Egyptian history. Some danced and others played drums just out of joy and excitement. Mubarak would announce constitutional procedures before handing over powers.
