Egypt's standoff to continue
Top news: Thousands of angry protesters streamed into the streets of Cairo and other major Egyptian cities after President Hosni Mubarak declined to step down in a highly anticipated televised address last night. Anticipation had been building for hours after the military assured protesters that their demands would soon be met.
Instead, Mubarak promised ammendments to the Egyptian constitution and to delegate his executive powers to Vice President Omar Suleiman. Protesters, as well as foreign governments, seemed confused by the concession, as its not clear that Mubarak's loss of power is irrevocable.
In a statement following Mubarak's address, the military appeared to back his position and urged protesters to return home. Military leaders promised to lift Egypt's emergency law once protests had ended and vowed that there would be no reprisals against participants.Opposition leader Mohamed ElBaradei called on the military to intervene and force Mubarak's ouster.
Demonstrations expanded throughout Cairo last night as splinter groups of demonstrators camped out in front of the State TV headquarters and the presidential palace.
U.S. response: U.S. President Barack Obama seemed optimistic earlier in the day, saying that Egypt is "witnessing history unfold." Following Mubarak's speech, Obama issued a statement saying the Egyptian people "remain unconvinced that the government is serious about a genuine transition to democracy." White House officials conceded that they were surprised by Mubarak's refusal to step down.
| Asia - Pakistan has sworn in a new, smaller cabinet.
- Thailand's nationalist, yellow-shirt protesters marched to demand the ouster of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva over his handling of the ongoing border dispute with Cambodia.
- India and Pakistan have agreed to restart peace talks.
Americas - Widespread food protests forced Bolivian President Evo Morales to call off a planned rally.
- Colombia's Farc rebels are expected to release two hostages today.
- Brazil announced $30 billion in spending cuts.
Europe - Lawyers are making their final arguments in WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange's extradition hearing today.
- Japan's foreign minister has arrived in Moscow for talks with the Russian government over the Kuril Islands dispute.
- Denmark's prime minister became the first EU leader to publicly urge Mubarak to step down.
Africa -By Joshua Keating |  |
MARCO LONGARI/AFP/Getty Images
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