CAIRO: Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak said on Tuesday he would step down in a few months once a successor is elected, a move that responds to massive street protests but which may not satisfy many who want him out now.
A million people, maybe more, rallied across the country earlier in the day, clamouring for an end to the 30-year-rule of the former general who has towered over Middle East politics.
In Cairo's Tahrir or Liberation, Square, there was cheering after the 82-year-old leader's pugnacious broadcast on state television but also questioning about whether a transition of many months will be something the opposition will agree to.
“Leave, leave!” came the chant, showing Mubarak's defiant insistence on serving out his fifth term did not go down well.
Looking calm in suit and tie, he said: “I say in all honesty and regardless of the current situation, that I did not intend to nominate myself for a new presidential term. I've spent enough years of my life in the service of Egypt and its people.
“I am now absolutely determined to finish my work for the nation in a way that ensures handing over its safekeeping and banner ... preserving its legitimacy and respecting the constitution ... I will work in the remaining months of my term to take the steps to ensure peaceful transfer of power.”
Mubarak has lost the support of key ally the United States, which has pushed hard for him to make way for a democratic handover, at least come September's scheduled presidential election.
He also appeared to lose wholehearted backing from the army, which has said protesters' demands are “legitimate”.
But his appeal to the nation of 80 million seemed designed to reach over the heads of the young, urban dissidents gathered in city centres to the wider population fearful of change and chaos.
He accused opponents of being behind looting and disorder in the past week and recalled his military career as a defender of Egypt in war, saying he would not leave the country.
His departure may reconfigure the geopolitical map of the Middle East, with implications from Israel to oil giant Saudi Arabia. Unrest is stirring in other Arab countries like Jordan and Yemen, sending oil prices higher on fears of trouble in Saudi Arabia and on Egypt's Suez Canal.
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