United Nations, Feb 9 (IANS) UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for "an orderly and peaceful transition" in crisis-torn Egypt.

He has also expressed the hope that "genuine dialogue between the leaders and the people will lead to the beginning of such a process".

Ban made the statement at a press conference here Tuesday after briefing the UN Security Council on his recent trip to Switzerland, Ethiopia, Britain and Germany, Xinhua reported Wednesday.

"An orderly and peaceful transition is crucial," he said.

"I hope that genuine dialogue between the leaders and the people will lead to the beginning of such a process," he added.

The secretary-general said: "The details of that process and indeed the future course of their country are entirely for the Egyptian people to define."

"The United Nations stands ready to provide any assistance."

Egyptian Vice President Omar Suleiman announced Tuesday in Cairo that President Hosni Mubarak took another step towards democratic reforms as he approved a committee to oversee constitutional changes in the country.

The committee will wrap up its work by the end of February, Suleiman said, adding that Egypt has a time-table for a peaceful and organised transfer of power.

Mubarak, who ruled his country for 30 years, pledged that he will not seek a new term and will stay until September's presidential election to ensure stability in the country.