Howls of protests after Mubarak’s address

CAIRO - Howls of protests rose through the packed crowd at downtown Cairo’s Tahrir Square as soon as President Hosni Mubarak’s televised speech ended in which he said that he would not be stepping down.

Tens of thousands of protesters had gathered at Tahrir square - the epicentre of protests against Mubarak who has ruled Egypt for the past nearly 30 years - after speculations that the president would step down.

However, in the televised address aired Thursday night, Mubarak made it clear that he would not be quitting. He, however, said that he would not run for elections.

“I have expressed my intention not to stand for next election,” Mubarak said.

Mubarak said that the demands of the people were “legitimate and right”. He also acknowledged the “mistake” committed by the government.