Won?t step down: Mubarak

President Hosni Mubarak on Thursday saying that Vice President Omar Suleiman would have greater authority refused to resign, drawing angry reactions from the Egyptian people and a sharp jab from Washington.

Hundreds had gathered to witness the departure of the 82-year-old President, who has been facing an uprising against his 30-year-old rule for nearly three weeks, after reports emerged that he would probably step down.

In his 17-minute-speech on Thursday, Mubarak made attempts to sway the Egyptian public by promising fresh reforms in the country?s autocratic constitution even as protesters in Tahrir square grew impatient.

U.S. President Barack Obama too openly questioned, Mubarak?s resolution towards a transition of power. Without naming Mubarak, Obama criticised the Egypt administration for not having ?seized that opportunity?.