World Sounds Worries on Egypt, Protestors Vow Decisive Friday

The 82-year-old Husni Mubarak shocked Egyptians and the international community in a televised speech on Thursday night when he refrained from stepping down and rather delegated presidential power to Vice President Omar Suleiman.

World leaders have reacted to President Mubarak's refusal to step down, calling for a transparent, orderly and peaceful transition of power in the country.

The Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon has urged the Egyptian government to address the legitimate demands of the people, expressing readiness to help the country in the process.

The European Union has lambasted Mubarak for his decision to cling to power, saying the strongman failed to open the way for quick reforms. Led by France, Britain and Germany, the EU also urged that "the demands and expectations of the Egyptian people must be met."

German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle has said that Mubarak's decision to cling to power was not "the hoped for step forward," saying international community is concerned about the situation in Egypt.

British Foreign Secretary William Hague also called for an "urgent but orderly transition" in Egypt.
On its turn, the United States sharply criticized Mubarak's decision to cling to power saying that Cairo must spell out a clear path to democracy and take up "concrete" change in the country.
Despite warnings, demonstrators have gathered in (Tahrir) Liberation Square in Cairo in the eighteenth day of protests on Friday calling for the resignation of Mubarak and his deputy.

Protesters are planning a ‘March of millions' mass demonstration to the presidential palace. They have rejected Mubarak's decision, saying they want a civilian government and not a military regime. Several thousand protesters have gathered outside the state TV calling for Mubarak's immediate departure.