Tensions are rising in Egypt as tens of thousands of protesters continue to demand that President Hosni Mubarak step down despite his announcement that he would remain in office until September.

Egypt's military said on February 11 that it endorses Mubarak's decision not to resign, which he announced Thursday after widespread speculation that he would announce he was stepping down during a special address to the country.

The military said in a statement that it supports his plan for a peaceful transfer of power, and for free and fair presidential elections later in the year, CBC reported.

It also promised to end the country's 30-year state of emergency once "the current situation has ended."

Protesters had demanded a repeal of the law, which allows for the arbitrary arrest and detention of those the military perceives as agitators.

Despite the army's concession, protesters remained furious Friday, swarming outside the presidential palace and streaming by the thousands into Cairo's Tahrir Square.

Late Feb 10, Mubarak gave most of his powers to his vice-president but refused to resign or leave the country.