³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ

Wael Ghonim, the Google executive who has become a figurehead in the protest movement in Egypt, told ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Arabic that protesters are in "a state of happiness" because they have achieved something very important, and achieved what once was "an impossible dream".

Ghonim said that although the protesters' main demand was the ousting of President Hosni Mubarak, it wasn't a goal in itself, it was a symbol of change in power.

"I was aware of this scenario as early as 15 hours ago, I wrote on my Twitter account that it's the time to turn the page, and Egyptian people will be able to write their future by their own hands," he added.

Wael Ghonim, who was released on Monday after 10 days in detention, said: "Egyptians suffered from the emergency law which was used to terrorise the younger generation. People were exposed to an educational system that scared them from political participation."

He added: "First we need to hear the government's plan, and will act accordingly."

PC