10 February 2011Last updated at 22:25

In pictures: Hopes dashed in Egypt

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak addresses the nation. Photo: 10 February 2011

In a much-anticipated speech, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has said he will stay in office and transfer all power only after September's presidential election, defying the demands of hundreds of thousands of protesters.

Demonstrators in Cairo's Tahrir Square react in dismay to President Mubarak's speech. Photo: 10 February 2011

The reaction among protesters in Cairo's Tahrir Square - the heart of the ongoing revolt - was anger and dismay. Many had hoped that Mr Mubarak would step down immediately.

Angry demonstrators in Tahrir Square wave their shoes in response to Mr Mubarak's speech. Photo: 10 February 2011

For the majority of the protesters, Mr Mubarak's pledge to delegate some powers to Vice-President Omar Suleiman and oversee a constitutional reform was clearly not enough.

Tahrir Square protesters celebrate what they anticipate will be President Mubarak's announcement that he will stand down

Earlier on Thursday, tens of thousands of people celebrated in Tahrir Square what they had thought would be Mr Mubarak's last day in office after 30 years in power.

Thousands squeeze into Tahrir Square in the centre of Cairo

The atmosphere on the square had been euphoric, as people sang, cheered and hugged each other.

An army spokesman speaks on Egypt's state TV (10 February 2011)

Earlier on Thursday, Egypt's powerful army said its top commanders were discussing measures aimed at preserving the nation, without elaborating further.

Army commander lifted into the air by anti-government protesters after addressing the crowd inside Tahrir Square (10 February 2011)

The protesters chanted, "The army and the people are united!", after a senior commander reportedly told them that everything they wanted would be realised.

Medical students and professors march in Cairo (10 February 2011)

On Thursday, thousands of doctors and lawyers joined the demonstrations in Cairo - on the 17th day of the anti-government protests.

Egyptian protesters burn the government headquarters in Port Said (10 February 2011)

Rallies also continued in other cities across the country. Here, protesters set fire to regional government headquarters in Port Said.

A protester holds a picture of the "Three Wise Monkeys" to show that President Hosni Mubarak is not willing to hear, see or talks about the revolt in Alexandria. Photo: 10 February 2011

In Alexandria, protesters held pictures of the "Three Wise Monkeys" to show that President Mubarak was not willing to hear, see or talk about the demands of the demonstrators.

Middle East

In pictures: Hopes dashed in Egypt

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