In a speech that aired worldwide, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak just reiterated that he will remain in office until September. Protesters had demanded – and some news outlets, including NBC News, had reported today – that Mubarak would step down in the face of massive resistance to his tenure. Mubarak’s defiance has enraged a huge crowd gathered at Tahir, where protesters are loudly chanting. According to media reports, the presidential palace was fortified with razor wire and tanks today in advance of Mubarak’s speech.
The embattled president pledged not to seek another term when elections are held in September. He also agreed to alter the country’s constitution, prosecute those who abused protesters and said he would transfer some power to Vice President Omar Suleiman. Notably, Mubarak made several references to foreign influences, saying, “We will prove we are not a satellite state.” This dynamic is the challenge for the Obama Administration – how to support the protesters demands for a new government without tainting the movement so it’s perceived as one controlled by the U.S.
It seems unlikely Mubarak’s remarks today will be the last word.