Hosni Mubarak Resigns As President Of Egypt

Vice President Suleiman says military's Supreme Council will take over

CAIRO — Hosni Mubarak has resigned as president of Egypt, the country's vice president said in a brief statement Friday.

Omar Suleiman, speaking on state television, said Mubarak had decided to depart "the office of the president of the republic" and said the Supreme Council of the armed forces would "run the state."

Leading Egyptian democracy advocate Mohamed ElBaradei, the Nobel Peace Prize winner, said Friday was "the greatest day of my life."

"The country has been liberated after decades of repression," he told The Associated Press. He said he expected a "beautiful" transition of power.

The news swept the country and Tahrir Square, home of the protest movement, erupted in celebration.

Hundreds of thousands of protesters had gathered for a huge rally on what they called "Farewell Friday," and after 18 days they finally achieved their main goal.

"The people have brought down the regime," chanted the crowds in Tahrir Square.

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