The Egyptian army has said it will not use force against protesters calling for the removal of President Hosni Mubarak ahead of a “million people” march.

The military said it considers the people’s demands “legitimate”.

At almost exactly the same time as the announcement was made, several tanks blocking access to Cairo’s main square where protests have been held, rolled back some 500 metres.

Everyone looked at each other in disbelief because the tanks had been stationed there for a few days.