Mohamed ElBaradei, former head of the International Atomic Energy Agency and a leading Egyptian opposition figure, has applauded the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak after 18 days of protests (read some of Nature’s coverage here).

“This is the greatest day of my life. The country has been liberated after decades of repression,” he told the Associated Press, adding that he expects a “beautiful” transition of power. The Egyptian army is now running the country.