S. Africa ruling ANC to end Mbeki presidency

South Africa's ruling party has recalled President Thabo Mbeki before the end of his term next year.

The presidential spokesman says Mbeki has obliged and will step down after all constitutional requirements have been met. And the secretary general of the African National Congress says Mbeki will remain president until an interim one is appointed.

The ANC will ask Mbeki's cabinet ministers to remain in their positions in the transition period after Mbeki leaves office to ensure the country's stability. The ANC secretary general said parliament would meet soon to formalize the process. Mbeki's term was set to end in April 2009.