Army to hand Egypt civilian rule by August

EGYPT’S military said yesterday it hoped to hand over power to an elected government in six months, but the Muslim Brotherhood said ending emergency law and freeing political prisoners would build a “bridge of confidence”.

Rumours continued about Hosni Mubarak’s health. Saudi-owned Asharq al-Awsat newspaper said it was deteriorating and the deposed president had refused to go abroad for treatment. A military source said Mubarak, 82, believed to be in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, was “breathing”. Another Egyptian source with links to the family said he was not well.

The military’s remarks on the transition, which were carried on the state agency, were the clearest sign since Mubarak quit on Friday that the generals were committed to a swift time frame for fulfilling their promises of elections and democracy.