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Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has said that he will not stand for re-election in September, as protests against his rule grow.
Speaking on state TV, Mr Mubarak promised constitutional reform, but said he wanted to stay until the end of his current presidential term.
The announcement came as tens of thousands rallied in central Cairo urging him to step down immediately.
The demonstration was the biggest since protests began last week.
Egyptians are patient, he says, and may be prepared to wait for a few more months for his departure.
Mr Mubarak said he would devote his remaining time in power to ensuring a peaceful transition of power to his successor.
But he criticised the protests, saying what began as a civilised phenomenon turned into a violent event controlled by political cowards.
He said he had offered to meet all parties but there were political powers that had refused dialogue.
Leaders of the protests had called on Mr Mubarak to step down by Friday, when demonstrators were planning to march on the presidential palace.
- BBC
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