Mubarak still in Egypt: PM

Cairo, Feb 13 (PTI) Ousted Egyptian strongman HosniMubarak is still in the country''s Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq said today.

"What I know is that the (former) president is in Sharmel-Sheikh," Shafiq told reporters during his first newsconference since the 82-year-old Mubarak left Cairo lastFriday amid unprecedented anti-government protests.

Earlier there were rumours that Mubarak, who had ruledEgypt for 30 years, had fled the country. There were mediareports that he may go to the United Arab Emirates.

The Dubai-based network Al-Arabiya reported yesterdaythat Mubarak was making plans to head to the Emirates. AKuwait daily, Al-Qabas, said Friday that UAE officials haveoffered Mubarak haven in Al Ain, a desert city near the Omaniborder.

Mubarak''s reign over the Arab world''s most populouscountry came to an end after 18 days of nationwide protestsorganised by a loose conglomeration of young activistsdemanding democratic change.