A senior member of Egypt's governing party has told BBC he "hopes" that President Hosni Mubarak will transfer power to Vice-President Omar Suleiman.

Hossan Badrawi, secretary general of the National Democratic Party (NDP), said Mr. Mubarak would "most probably" speak to the nation soon.

It comes on the 17th day of protests against Mr. Mubarak's 30-year rule.

Reports say Egypt's army is expected to make a statement shortly in which it will respond to protesters' demands.

Earlier, Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq told BBC Arabic that the scenario of President Mubarak stepping down was being discussed.