Shafiq`s appointment followed announcement earlier on Saturday that Omar Suleiman, the intelligence chief with military experience, would be vice president and in prime position for the top job if Mubarak does not run in September.
Mubarak, 82, was also a former air force chief.
The move followed days of unprecedented protests that have shaken the country to its core.
(SYS/KR-IFB/M016)
Editor: Suryanto
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