Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak addresses the nation in this still image taken from video February 10, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

Egypt's Vice President Omar Suleiman addresses the nation on Egyptian State TV, in this still image taken from video, February 10, 2011. Suleiman, speaking on Thursday after President Hosni Mubarak handed him presidential powers, said Egyptians would not be dragged into chaos or used as tools for sabotage. [Photo/Agencies]

CAIRO - Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak said in a televised speech on Thursday night that he will hand over power to Vice President Omar Suleiman, but will not resign, in a response to more than two weeks of mass protests against his 30-year rule, the country's state TV reported.

"According to the constitution, I will shoulder my responsibilities until the country witnesses the stable and peaceful transfer of power in September," Mubarak said.

He announced that he confirmed six amendments to the Egyptian constitution, to prepare for honest elections.

The constitutional amendments will be open to lifting the state emergency law, he said.

In the meanwhile, Mubarak praised Egyptian young protesters for their efforts, saying "I don't feel embarrassment in holding talks with the youths and creating dialogue."

"The protesters' blood will not be in vain", he reiterated, adding that all those behind the violence will be held accountable.

He also refused to leave the country as was demanded by the protesters.

"I will die on the soil," he added.

As the president ended his speech, people in central Cairo's Tahrir Square chanted "he must leave," obviously unsatisfied with Mubarak's concession.

Egyptian Vice President Omar Suleiman on Thursday night asked protesters and strikers to go back home and resume work, in his first public speech after President Hosni Mubarak handed over power to him.

Egyptians would not be dragged into chaos or used as tools for sabotage. He said the army had protected the "revolution of the youth".