Egyptian VP, top military leaders planning 'graceful exit' for Mubarak

Cairo, Feb 5(ANI): Egyptian Vice President Omar Suleiman along with other top military leaders are reportedly discussing steps to limit President Hosni Mubarak's decision-making authority and possibly remove him from the presidential palace in Cairo.

According to Egyptian and American officials, a transitional government headed by Suleiman would then negotiate with opposition figures to amend Egypt's Constitution and begin a process of democratic changes.

The officials said that among the ideas that had been discussed were suggesting to Mubarak that he move to his Sharm-el-Sheik home or that he embark on one of his annual medical leaves to Germany for an extended checkup.

They claim that such steps would provide Mubarak with a graceful exit, and enshrine some key democratic principles ahead of elections scheduled for September.

"None of this can happen if Mubarak is at the center of the process. But it doesn't necessarily require the president to leave office right now," the New York Times quoted one senior administration official, as saying. (ANI)