Egypt celebrates as Mubarak steps down

Egyptian protesters erupted into jubilation as President Hosni Mubarak stepped aside and handed over power to the armed forces.

Vice president Omar Suleiman, who announced the news in a television appearance, said the president was "waiving" his office, and had handed over authority to the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces. He said Mubarak and his family have moved to the Red Sea resort city of Sharm-el-Shiekh.

State television announced the President would make an appearance on television later in on Friday.

Jubilant crowds banging drums, blowing whistles and waving the Egyptian national flag danced and prayed and swarmed army tanks.

Crowds chanting `Freedom' and `God is Great" swarmed outside the presidential palace and the Tahir Square.

Opposition leader Mohamed ElBaradei hailed the moment as the "greatest day of my life."