Chief of Egypt's Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) Hussein Tantawi announced on Tuesday the end of the state of emergency all over Egyptian governorates from Wednesday onwards, except in thuggery cases.

The end of emergency state will come into force on Wednesday morning, coinciding with campaigns to commemorate the unrest one year ago during which anti-government protesters overthrew former President Hosni Mubarak.

In his speech, Tanatwi said that the SCAF abides by commitments to hand over power to civilians.

The SCAF leader expressed his gratitude to those who have sacrificed for Egypt, to Prime Minister Kamal el-Ganzouri's cabinet for its great efforts and to Egyptian judges as well.

Egyptians will also celebrate the first People's Assembly ( lower house of the Parliament) elected by Egyptians, Tantawi said.

Egypt cannot accept any provisions which violate the country's dignity and freedom, and would not be lenient with those who try to disturb its stability, Tantawi said, adding that the country bears national and international responsibilities, defends its high and strategic interests and protects its commitments to international treaties, friendship and cooperation with other states.