Cairo: Egyptian demonstrators reacted with fury on Friday after the military threw its weight behind President Mubarak's attempt to cling on to power despite massive nationwide protests.
At the same time as a statement was read out on state television, an army colonel read out the same message - in which the military high command endorsed Mubarak's reform plans - in front of Mubarak's palace in Cairo.
Protesters gathered outside the palace, many of whom had hoped the military would intervene to chase the 82-year-old strongman from office, erupted angrily and one grabbed the officer's microphone to denounce the move.
"You have disappointed us, all our hopes rested in you," he shouted, as the crowd began to chant slogans calling for Mubarak to be put on trial.
"No, no, this is not a coup," the colonel protested, insisting that the army would not take power itself, but would work to ensure that the popular will was reflected in the civilian regime's programme.