Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak said on Tuesday he would surrender power in September, angering protesters who want an immediate end to his 30-year-rule. Mubarak appealed over the heads of the urban demonstrators to the wider nation of 80 million. The "noble youths" who had begun protests, he said, had been exploited by men of violence.

Much may depend on the army, once Mubarak's power base, which appears to be trying to ensure a transition of power that would maintain the influence of the armed forces.

Under evident pressure from Obama and the army as much as from the crowds on the streets, Mubarak delivered a composed 10-minute televised statement.

To those demanding he flee the country in the manner of his ousted Tunisian counterpart last month, Mubarak said: "This is my country ... and I will die on its soil."

But he would not give up power just yet: "I say in all honesty and regardless of the current situation that I did not intend to nominate myself for a new presidential term," he said.

"I will work in the remaining months of my term to take the steps to ensure a peaceful transfer of power", Reuters reported.