He was prime minister under deposed president Hosni Mubarak from 1996-1999 but subsequently distanced himself from that regime and has since been suggested as a possible presidential candidate.
He is reported to have agreed in principle to lead a national salvation government with elections due to start next week.
Protesters are still in and around Tahrir Square in Cairo although the clashes have, for the moment, died down. Despite promises by the council to speed up the process, some people fear the military will try to cling on to power.
Activists are urging mass protests on what they are calling the "Friday of last chance" to demand an immediate handover to civilian rule.
SOURCE: Euronews
