Saudi King Abdullah Supports Mubarak as Egyptian Government Resigns

The Egyptian government has resigned, state television announced on Saturday, hours after President Hosni Mubarak said amid nationwide protests that a new cabinet would be appointed during the day.

Mubarak had also pledged reforms after four days of nationwide revolt against his decades-long autocratic rule.

Earlier Saturday, Saudi King Abdullah has expressed his support for embattled President Hosni Mubarak and slammed those "tampering" with Egypt's security and stability, state news agency SPA reported.

The Saudi ruler, in Morocco recovering from back surgery performed in the United States, telephoned Mubarak early Saturday, the report said.

During the conversation, Abdullah condemned "intruders" he said were "tampering with Egypt's security

and stability ... in the name of freedom of expression."

Saudi Arabia, he added, "stands with all its means with the government and people of Egypt."