The Higher Military Council, which has taken over control from Mubarak, will sack the cabinet and suspend both houses of parliament and rule with the head of the supreme constitutional court.

Egypt's higher military council says it will announce measures for a transitional phase after President Hosni Mubarak's decision to step down and hand power to the armed forces.

Reda Mahamoud Hafez Hohamed, Commander of Egyptian Airforce, said, "The Supreme Council of The Armed Forces will, at a later time, issue statements which will define the steps, procedures and provisions to be taken, emphasising at the same time that it is not an alternative to a legitimate government acceptable to the people.""

The statement, read on national television, also praised Mubarak for stepping down "in the interests of the nation" and "salutes the martyrs" who lost their lives in the near three weeks of unrest.