Egyptian troika planning to limit Mubarak''s power: report

New York, Feb 5 (PTI) Newly-named Egyptian VicePresident Omar Suleiman and his top military commanders werediscussing plans to limit President Hosni Mubarak''sdecision-making authority and possibly remove him from thepresidential palace.

Quoting US and Egyptian officials, New York Timesreported that the plans did not call for Mubarak to bestripped of presidency immediately.

The paper said that Army''s backing was being sought tomake Suleiman to head an interim government which wouldnegotiate with the political opposition a timetable forelections.

The Times said that among the ideas mooted was a planto move Mubarak to his home town Sharm-al-Sheikh or send himto Germany for extended medical check up.

Such steps, the new leaders felt, would provide agraceful exit to the 82-year-old Mubarak while effectivelyremoving him as the main decision-maker.

NYT said that the proposals had also been discussedwith prominent Egyptian businessmen as well as influentiallawyers and thinkers.

Citing Egyptian officials, Times said that Suleiman aswell as his prime minister Ahmed Shafiq and the defenceminister Field Marshal Mohammad Tantawi were working closelyto ensure a smooth transition.

"They know each other well and they are trying to finda way out of this crisis. They want to do this withoutspilling blood and without hurting the dignity of Egypt orMubarak while fulfilling the demand of the masses," theofficials said.