Egypt's Mubarak fires Cabinet but refuses to resign

CAIRO: Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on early Saturday said he had ordered the Cabinet to resign and said he would name a new one 'tomorrow'.

Egypt plunged into chaos on Friday when tens of thousands of people took to the streets in Cairo and other major cities to demand the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak. Some of them clashed with security forces, killing at least 20 people and injuring more than 1,100 others.

Mubarak, however, hinted that he would not resign and instead said he stands with his citizens. He said he regretted the casualties among both civilians and security forces and said he had ordered the Cabinet to resign.

The Egyptian leader, who has ruled the African nation since October 1981, said he would name a new Cabinet 'tomorrow' but gave no indication if he was referring to Saturday or Sunday.

(BNO NEWS )