A senior member of Egypt's governing party has told the 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.
The BBC's Lyse Doucet, in Cairo, says the fact that President Mubarak's departure is even being discussed is a huge development.
Our correspondent, who spoke to Mr Badrawi, says the 25 January movement will see this as a great victory.
Good Lord, Can't they understand the protesters- certainly not to Omar Suleiman as President:
Omar Suleiman should be taken to court to face a trial of "crime against humanity", why are all these democratic countries, MSMs,International power brokers and local war lords want him to be the president.Why, Why Why? Scared that more than Omar Suleiman will be exposed and subsequently drag into the courts
