Hosni Mubarak Steps Down as President of Egypt After 30 Year Reign

President Hosni Mubarak finally stepped down after 18 days of protesting by the Egyptian people! Vice President Omar Suleiman announced Friday evening on Egypt's national television that Mubarak had resigned. Suleiman said in a one-minute announcement, "My fellow citizens. In this difficult time that the country is going through, President Mohamed Hosni Mubarak has decided to relieve himself of his position as president and the Supreme Military Council has taken control of the state's affairs. May God protect us."

The announcement was followed by dancing, honking horns, waving flags and fireworks from the elated Egyptian people. Cairo's Tahrir Square was filled with people celebrating instead of protesting.

Thursday night Mubarak had addressed Egypt and stated that he would not step down. Unacceptable to the Egyptian protestors, they continued their demonstrations.

President Obama said, "The people of Egypt have spoken. Their voices have been heard and Egypt will never be the same." He also went on to say that this is not the end of Egypt's transition, but just the beginning.

Egyptian armed forces are now in control of the country's leadership. A military spokesman stated on Egyptian television that the army will guarantee that the demands of the Egyptian people are met and that concrete steps will soon be announced towards that end.

Source:

http://abcnews.go.com/International/egypt-mubarak-steps-president-cairo-erupts-joy/story?id=12891572