Egypt's Mubarak to Fire Cabinet

“I have requested the government to step down today,” Egypt President Hosni Mubarak said in his first public remarks since protests against his regime erupted across the country several days ago. “I will designate a new government tomorrow,” Mubarak said. Still, the ruler supported his tenure, saying that the massive demonstrations could not have occurred if he hadn’t introduced civil and media liberties. “What has happened during these demonstrations, including destruction, chaos, and burning, goes beyond just protests," Mubarak said, vowing to “continue” reforms in Egypt. He asked protesters to keep in mind the “interests of the country” in their actions.