The current situation in Egypt will remain tense this week despite the recent statement from President Hosni Mubarak that he would not run for another presidential term, experts said on Wednesday.
Mubarak, who has ruled Egypt for almost three decades, announced however that he would stay in office until his term expires in September.
"We must not forget that Mubarak is a military person, who saw combat action, he is very sturdy and believes that he must remain in power until the end of his term, defined by the law and the constitution," Mohammed Salamah, deputy editor of the Egyptian evening newspaper al-Massa'iya, said in an interview with RIA Novosti.
Supporters of the beleaguered president clashed with demonstrators in central Cairo on Wednesday. Protestors also claim that they were also attacked by police officers dressed in civilian clothes.
Hazim Mohammed, a journalist with the opposition newspaper al-Ahali, believes that Mubarak's concessions could see a division within the opposition as to what to do next.
"It is possible, that the opposition might split," Mohammed said.
Both experts agreed that the situation will change in the coming days, most possibly on Friday.
Egypt has been engulfed in street violence since January 25, which has already claimed the lives of at least 150 people and injured some 4,000. The protesters want Mubarak to resign and the start of political and social reforms.
CAIRO, February 2 (RIA Novosti)
