Egypt army says ready to lift state of emergency

Egypt's powerful army said on Friday it would lift emergency law "as soon as current circumstances end," conceding a key demand to anti-government protesters but indicating it wanted them off the streets. The army said in "Communique No. 2" that it "confirms the lifting of the state of emergency as soon as the current circumstances end," a promise that would remove a law imposed for 30 years that protesters say is used to stifle dissent.

It also guaranteed a free and fair presidential election, constitutional changes and protection of the nation. (Reuters)