Egyptian Army assures smooth transition to civilian rule

Egyptian Army announced smooth transition to civilian rule in Egypt, the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces has pledged to enact a smooth transition to civilian rule, amid celebrations marking the end of 30 years without Hosni Mubarak as President. A senior army officer announced on state television last evening that the military will guarantee the peaceful transition of power in the framework of a free, democratic system which allows an elected, civilian power to govern the country to build a democratic, free state. The council also pledged to honour its international treaties.

In a related development, Egyptian state television reported that prosecutors have begun an investigation into three former ministers from Mubarak's government. Travel bans have been imposed on former Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif and former interior minister Habib al-Adli, who were both sacked by Mubarak before he stepped down from the presidency. A travel ban was also imposed on the information minister Anas el-Fekky, who was reappointed in the new cabinet.

US President Obama has hailed the promise by Egypt's new military leadership to work towards civilian rule and said it would strengthen stability in West Asia. Washington's top military officer Admiral Mike Mullen is now traveling to the region for talks with the US allies.