Egypt revolution: Timeline

Clashes break out in Cairo8217;s Tahrir Square between police and protesters,who say they are fed up with high levels of poverty,corruption and unemployment.

January 28: Unrest spreads and Mubarak declares a curfew in Cairo,Alexandria and Suez and the army is deployed. Mubarak also sacks his cabinet and says he understands the protesters8217; grievances but defends the actions of the security forces.

January 29: Mubarak appoints his Intelligence chief Omar Suleiman as vice-president and Aviation Minister Ahmed Shafiq is appointed prime minister.

January 31: The Egyptian army says it recognises the 8220;legitimate rights of the people8221; and will not use force against them.

February 1: Huge rallies take place in Cairo and other cities after protest leaders call for a 8220;march of a million8221;.

In another televised address,Mubarak announces he will step down after September8217;s presidential elections. He pledges constitutional reform but says he should stay in office to ensure an orderly transfer of power to his successor. Protest leaders say the president should step down by February 4.

February 2: The army urges demonstrators to return to their homes,saying their message has been heard. Clashes break out between pro- and anti-Mubarak groups as supporters of the president make an organised attempt to enter Tahrir Square.

February 3: Anti-government protesters clash with groups of government loyalists once again.

February 4: Huge crowds again occupy Tahrir Square in what protest leaders hopefully call 8220;day of departure8221; for President Mubarak.

February 5: The leadership of the ruling National Democratic Party resigns en masse,including Gamal Mubarak,the son of the president.

February 10: Ruling party officials say Mubarak will step down. But Mubarak then surprises protesters in another televised speech in which he says he will stay in office until elections in September,though he will transfer some powers to his deputy Omar Suleiman.

February 11: Mubarak resigns on the 18th day of protests and reaches the Red Sea resort of Sharm-el-Sheikh,his favourite holiday destination. Suleiman announces that Mubarak will step down,with immediate effect.