EGYPT: Military issues statement

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Egyptian military officials issued a statement Friday on state television in the wake of President Hosni Mubarak stepping down and handing over power to military leaders.

‘The higher military council will later issue more statements to outline the measures and decisions that will be taken,’ Egyptian Gen. Sami Anan said, according to a CNN translation.

‘The higher military council is expressing its appreciation to President Hosni Mubarak for his service and putting the interests of the nation at the forefront,’ said Anan, who appeared in uniform.

He also expressed appreciation for protesters killed during recent unrest, calling them, ‘martyrs, those who have sacrificed their lives for the freedom, the security of the nation.’

-- Molly Hennessy-Fiske