CRI听力: Protesters Targets Egyptian Govt. Buildings, TV Station as Mubarak Refuses to Step Down

The Egyptian Military is now throwing it's support behind President Hosni Mubarak's decision to seed his power to his Vice-President.

In a statement issued after a meeting of the military's Supreme Council, the military now says supports Mubarak's plan for a peaceful transfer of power.

The statement from the military does not clarify what role it may, or may not take, in the ongoing protests.

The protesters enraged by Hosni Mubarak's latest refusal to step down are continuing to stream into Cairo's central square, promising to expand their push to drive the Egyptian president out.

"What we are calling for is for President Hosni Mubarak to leave office so that people can go and sleep at home. We have been sleeping on the streets while he was in bed."

"I am here because we are calling upon the rights of the people, the rights of our children, in freedom, justice and social development."

Protesters are also massing outside the Cabinet, parliament and the state television headquarters several blocks away from Tahrir Square.

Hundreds of demonstrators have formed a human barricade around the building that houses the state TV and radio stations, turning employees away from the building.

In a televised speech to the country, Mubarak says he has given most of his powers to his vice president, but has refused to resign or leave the country.

"I have decided to stick by this (the framework of the constitution) and by my responsibility in protecting the constitution and the people's interests until power and responsibility are handed over to whomever the voters chose next September, in free and fair elections."

Mubarak also remains defiant amid protests against his regime that are now into their third week.

"I say to you that I, as the president of the republic, I do not find an embarrassment or objection in listening to the young people of my country and in responding to them. But the biggest embarrassment and shame, and what I never did and will not do, is to listen to foreign diktats coming from abroad, whatever their sources or justifications."

Mubarak's announcement to stay on has been met with shock and anger to the several hundred thousand people packed into Tahrir Square who expected that Mubarak would announce his resignation.

For more on the situation, we spoke earlier with Dr. Galal Amin with the American University in Cairo.