Egypt's Army Signals Steps to Take Power

Egypt's armed forces said on Thursday that they were taking
"necessary measures to protect the nation and support the
legitimate demands of the people," a signal that the military
intends to take a commanding role in governing the country.

There was no immediate confirmation that the army intended to
replace the government named by President Hosni Mubarak, but
protesters in Cairo roared approval at the news that the
military was moving to supplant the government they have
steadfastly opposed.

Jubilant chants of "The Army and the people in one hand!"
could be heard on broadcasts from Tahrir Square.

There was no information about what role Mr. Mubarak or his
new vice president, Omar Suleiman, would play in a military
government. The announcement came on the 17th day of unrest
in Egypt, bolstered by strikes and protests among
professional groups in Cairo and workers across the country.

Mubarak Refuses to Step Down

President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt told the Egyptian people
Thursday that he would delegate more authority to his vice
president, Omar Suleiman, but that he would not resign his
post, contradicting earlier reports that he would step aside
and surprising hundreds of thousands of demonstrators
gathered to hail his departure from the political scene.

In a nationally televised address following a tumultuous day
of political rumors and conflicting reports, Mr. Mubarak said
he would "admit mistakes" and honor the sacrifices of young
people killed in the three-week uprising, but that he would
continue to "shoulder my responsibilities" until September,
and did not give a firm indication that he intended to depart
the political scene.