CAIRO, (Reuters) – Egypt’s new military rulers said today they had dissolved parliament, suspended the constitution and would govern only for six months or until elections took place, following the overthrow of Hosni Mubarak.
In a statement, the Higher Military Council which took over after 18 days of protest ended Mubarak’s 30-year rule, promised a referendum on constitutional amendments.
The initial response from opposition figures and protest leaders was overwhelmingly positive. “Victory, victory,” chanted pro-democracy activists in Cairo’s Tahrir Square. “More is needed, more is needed,” others yelled.
“It is a victory for the revolution,” said opposition politician Ayman Nour, who challenged Mubarak for the presidency in 2005 and was later jailed on forgery charges which he said were rigged. “I think this will satisfy the protesters.”
Mahmoud Nassar, a youth movement leader, said: “The army has moved far along to meet the people’s demands and we urge it to release all political prisoners who were taken before and after Jan. 25 revolution. Only then will we call off the protests.”
Earlier, troops took control of Tahrir (Liberation) Square, the fulcrum of the protests that swept Mubarak from power, to let traffic through central Cairo as the army struggled to return life to normal.
Protesters argued heatedly in Tahrir Square over whether to stay or comply with army orders to help put Egypt back on its feet. “The people want the square cleared,” one group chanted. “We will not leave, we will not leave,” replied another.
The Arab world’s most populous country was taking its first tentative steps towards democracy and protest organisers were forming a Council of Trustees to defend the revolution and urge swift reform from a military intent on restoring law and order.
Police officers, emboldened by Mubarak’s downfall, gathered outside the Interior Ministry to demand higher pay. Warning shots were fired in the air. No one was hurt.
Earlier, troops, some wielding sticks, pushed protesters aside to reopen Tahrir Square to traffic.
The cabinet met and for the first time, the portrait of Mubarak, believed to be holed up in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, did not gaze over its proceedings as Egyptians quietly removed images of the 82-year-old former leader.
Protesters have demanded the immediate release of political prisoners, the lifting of a state of emergency used by Mubarak to crush opposition, the closure of military courts, fair elections and a swift handover of power to civilians.
Despite Mubarak’s resignation, some protesters have said they plan to stay in the square to ensure the military council keeps its promises on transition. They plan a big demonstration on Friday to celebrate the revolution and honour those killed.