EGYPT: Protesters react to Mubarak stepping down

Protesters reacted immediately after Egyptian Vice President Omar Suleiman announced on state television Friday that President Hosni Mubarak was stepping down.

"In these difficult circumstances that the country is passing through, President Hosni Mubarak has decided to leave the position of the presidency," Suleiman said, according to the Associated Press. "He has commissioned the armed forces council to direct the issues of the state."

Some protesters dropped to their knees in prayer, according to CNN. Others waved flags, honked car horns, fired shots in the air and swarmed tanks in Tahrir Square and outside the presidential palace.

"This is the greatest day of my life," opposition leader Mohamed ElBaradei told the Associated Press. "The country has been liberated after decades of repression." He added that he expects a "beautiful" transition of power.

-- Molly Hennessy-Fiske

Photo: Tens of thousands of anti-government protesters gather in Cairo's Tahrir Square on Friday. Credit: Amr Diab / Associated Press

 

Comments

[Walter]

I cannot be more pleased for the Egyptian people to finally free themselves from the rule of a dictator for so many years. My family and I just returned from a wonderful vacation in Egypt Jan 17th and found the people of Egypt to be warm and friendly. Congratulations to the people of Egypt, may the future bring new found rewards and a free lifestyle.

Walter