CAIRO — Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak declared Thursday he would not step down, saying in a televised speech that he had transferred some executive powers to his vice president but intended to remain in office to oversee reforms to the constitution.
Jubilation turned to fury in downtown Cairo’s Tahrir Square, the epicenter of the popular revolt determined to topple Mubarak’s regime. Tens of thousands of Egyptians had gathered in hopes of witnessing a historic moment: a 17-day rebellion ending 30 years of authoritarian rule.
Only minutes before Mubarak spoke, the scene in the square had been festive, with throngs of people singing the national anthem and debating whether the military, the vice president or a civilian politician should succeed Mubarak.
But as Mubarak's speech neared its end, the mood turned. Protesters cried, embraced in anguish and pumped their fists in anger. The crowds chanted: “Leave! Leave!”
Mubarak recounted the steps he has taken to satisfy protesters demands, and cited six articles of the constitution he wanted changed. He said he had ordered the country's attorney general to investigate the deaths of "martyrs" in the violence, which human rights groups have said numbered 300. But he did not say the words protesters, who were watching on an enormous bed sheet strung up in Tahrir Square, were expecting to hear.
"I say it again that I have lived for the sake of this nation, protecting the nation and carrying my responsibilities, and Egypt will remain above any individual and above everybody," Mubarak concluded. "Egypt is the land of life and death ... I and Egypt will not part until I am buried in its soil."
Speaking after Mubarak, Vice President Omar Suleiman told demonstrators to go home.
The turn of events clearly caught the Obama administration off guard. Earlier Thursday, CIA Director Leon Panetta had told Congress that he expected Mubarak to resign and President Barack Obama, sounding triumphant, had told an audience in Michigan that "what is absolutely clear is that we are witnessing history unfold. It’s a moment of transformation that’s taking place because the people of Egypt are calling for change."
But Panetta also had said he had "no specific word" that Mubarak would step down and by day's end it was clear he would not. The White House had no immediate comment.
"We understand that you are under pressure to report something, but this is obviously a dynamic situation so we appreciate your patience. We'll get back to you as soon as we can," a White House spokesman said in an e-mail.
Shashank Bengali describes the day's roller-coaster ride. Read the story
Millions of Egyptians had spent the day expecting an announcement that Mubarak would hand over power to military leadership.
State television had announced earlier that Mubarak would address the nation "within hours" on the 17th day of anti-government protests that have shaken his three-decade grip on power. As news of the impending announcement spread, large crowds of people streamed to Tahrir Square.
Military officials met for several hours Thursday, but Mubarak wasn't in attendance, according to Arab news channels. Prime Minster Ahmed Shafik told state television that Mubarak remained in power and that no decision had been made to remove him.
However, the general secretary of Mubarak's ruling National Democratic Party said that Mubarak would "respond to the people's demands" tonight, according to news reports.
In Washington, the National Security Council convened an emergency meeting to discuss Egypt, and until Mubarak's speech there were cheers in Tahrir Square. Wael Ghonim, the Egyptian Google executive whose release from secret detention earlier this week inspired protesters, said on Twitter: "Mission accomplished. Thanks to all the brave young Egyptians."
But that comment was immediately met with skepticism from pro-democracy activists, who said that it was too soon to declare victory. A few minutes later, Ghonim had removed the comment. Hours later, Mubarak spoke.