Mubarak Addresses Egypt, Will Not Step Down

(Newser) – President Hosni Mubarak finally addressed his nation after four days of unprecedented demonstrations—but he's not resigning as protesters have demanded. Instead, he's ordered his Cabinet to quit so he can appoint new ministers, reports AP. It's a safe bet that will not satisfy protesters who continue to defy a government-imposed curfew across Egypt. "Mubarak just blamed the government," one protester told CNN after the speech. "We will continue our demonstrations until we get our full demands. We want him to leave. His time is over."

In his televised address, Mubarak defended his security forces' armed response to the demonstrations, saying that while he's "on the side of freedom," he could not let chaos descend, reports the New York Times. "I take responsibility for the safety of this country and the citizens," he said. "I will protect Egypt." Mubarak also promised to push ahead with political and economic reforms and said he would give his new government "very specific goals" to improve citizens' lives.