Hosni Mubarak has refused to step down.
He said he will punish those who have committed acts of violence, carry out the promises he has made to the people, not listen to foreign interventions, and not nominate himself for future elections.
He made a large number of promises – enter into dialogue, lay framework for smooth transition, on and on.
He denied responsibility for the deaths of protesters. He said he would investigate the deaths. He said he would abolish the new “terrorist” amendment designed to replace the Emergency Law provision (Article 179).
He said he would not allow more damage to the economy, that the important thing was not Hosni Mubarak but Egypt, that everyone was in the same bunker now, and that the country had to get out of the current crisis and get on with normal lives again.
At this point the crowd started to chant and drown him out.
He blamed foreign intervention and attempts to dictate to Egypt. He said he had delegated some powers to the Vice-President. He said he would prove that his government could respond to demands through dialogue. He flattered Egyptians – spirit will live in us, in everyone of us, among the farmers and among the educated, young and old, the Copts and Muslims, etc., etc.
He said have he had lived for his homeland and preserving its integrity. My son will be buried here and we will always be dignified people until the end. May Egypt’s find the right path and may peace be upon thee.
The crowd appears incensed. I would not be surprised to see them march on the presidential palace. Stay tuned.