Egypt's Military Backs Transfer of Power to Vice President

Egypt's military has endorsed the transfer of powers from embattled President Hosni Mubarak to Vice President Omar Suleiman and called for a return to normal life in the Egyptian capital, wracked for 18 days by anti-Mubarak demonstrations.

The military released its statement Friday after a meeting of its Supreme Council, on a day protest organizers predicted the largest demonstrations since the start of the popular uprising last month.

The military statement said the army will ensure that reforms proposed by Mr. Mubarak are carried out as planned, including a the eventual lifting of 30-year-old emergency laws that enabled the government to keep tight control on Egyptian citizens.  The statement also promised that the presidential election scheduled for September will be free and fair.  The military urged protesters to return to their homes.

It is not yet clear what effect the statement will have on the tens of thousands of protesters packed into Cairo's Tahrir Square and other parts of the city.  The huge crowd continued to build after Friday prayers.

Military vehicles and troops surround the square and are present in other parts of the city, braced against possible violence.  Protesters have also gathered around the presidential palace in the Cairo suburb of Heliotropolis, where security is also high.

Thursday, Mr. Mubarak angered the protesters, who were expecting him to announce his resignation. Instead, he promised in a televised statement to turn day-to-day powers over to the vice president. His announcement sparked jeers and chants of "he must leave" from the protesters in the streets.

Following Mr. Mubarak's speech, one of Egypt's leading opposition figures, Nobel peace prize winner Mohamed ElBaradei, warned that the country "will explode" and needs to be rescued by the military.  ElBaradei said the Egyptian people are "very angry," calling Mr. Mubarak's speech an "act of deception."

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said late Thursday the United Nations stands ready to assist in a genuine and inclusive dialogue with all parties in Egypt.

U.S. President Barack Obama said the Egyptian people have been told.