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Clashes in Egypt's Tahrir Square over protests Clashes in Egypt's Tahrir Square over protests
(about 1 hour later)
Clashes are continuing between demonstrators and security forces in the Egyptian capital as protests enter a fourth day. Clashes have again erupted in the Egyptian capital as security forces continue their efforts to clear Cairo's Tahrir Square of protesters.
At least 13 people died and hundreds were injured over the weekend as troops launched a major assault to clear Cairo's Tahrir Square of protesters. The health ministry confirmed the death from violence on Sunday and into Monday had risen from 11 to 20.
Efforts to clear the square appeared to continue on Monday, with tear gas canisters being thrown at protesters. Two people died when the assault began on Saturday, and 1,750 have been injured since the violence began.
The unrest casts a shadow over elections due to start next week. This is the longest continuous protest since President Hosni Mubarak was ousted in February.
It is the longest continuous protest since President Hosni Mubarak was ousted in February. It casts a shadow over elections due to start next week.
Demonstrators say they fear Egypt's governing Supreme Council of the Armed Forces is trying to retain its grip on power.Demonstrators say they fear Egypt's governing Supreme Council of the Armed Forces is trying to retain its grip on power.
The council, led by Field Marshal Mohamed Tantawi, is charged with overseeing the country's transition to democracy after three decades of autocratic rule under Mr Mubarak.The council, led by Field Marshal Mohamed Tantawi, is charged with overseeing the country's transition to democracy after three decades of autocratic rule under Mr Mubarak.
Calls for his resignation could be heard during the weekend's protests.Calls for his resignation could be heard during the weekend's protests.
'Worst violence in months''Worst violence in months'
Security forces were reported to have launched a new attempt on Monday morning to disperse protesters from Tahrir Square. TV footage showed tear gas being fired into the crowds.
It followed fierce fighting on Sunday in which stones and petrol bombs were thrown at armoured personnel carriers and police. Security forces responded with tear gas and rubber bullets.
This is an enormous challenge for those who rule Egypt. Can they let the protesters stay in Tahrir Square indefinitely, can they really keep control of the situation, or do they risk even more damage to their reputation with the violence in the square?This is an enormous challenge for those who rule Egypt. Can they let the protesters stay in Tahrir Square indefinitely, can they really keep control of the situation, or do they risk even more damage to their reputation with the violence in the square?
I think deaths of the protesters this weekend, above all, is what is going to antagonise the people.I think deaths of the protesters this weekend, above all, is what is going to antagonise the people.
A lot of people were frustrated by the slow pace of change and the way the military were trying to entrench their powers, as the opposition certainly saw it.A lot of people were frustrated by the slow pace of change and the way the military were trying to entrench their powers, as the opposition certainly saw it.
But, as happened at the beginning of the protests against Hosni Mubarak's rule earlier this year, it was the deaths above all that really brought the people out on the streets.But, as happened at the beginning of the protests against Hosni Mubarak's rule earlier this year, it was the deaths above all that really brought the people out on the streets.
Witnesses reported scenes of panic when hundreds of soldiers and police beat protesters on their heads as they chased them out of Tahrir Square. The wounded were taken to makeshift clinics on the streets and in mosques around the square. TV footage showed tear gas being fired into the crowds as security forces again attempted to disperse protesters from the Tahrir Square area of Cairo on Monday.
This followed fierce fighting on Sunday in which stones and petrol bombs were thrown at armoured personnel carriers and police. Security forces responded with tear gas and rubber bullets.
Wtnesses reported scenes of panic when hundreds of soldiers and police beat protesters on their heads as they chased them out of Tahrir Square. The wounded were taken to makeshift clinics on the streets and in mosques around the square.
Protesters - some of them brandishing spent bullet casings - accuse security forces of also using live fire, a claim denied by police.Protesters - some of them brandishing spent bullet casings - accuse security forces of also using live fire, a claim denied by police.
State television reported that a truce had been agreed between the security forces and the imam of Tahrir Square's main Omar Makram mosque. State television reported in the early hours that a truce had been agreed between the security forces and the imam of Tahrir Square's main Omar Makram mosque, but it did not apply to streets leading to the interior ministry where much of the fighting has been taking place.
Sheikh Mazhar Shahin said the protesters had been given the go-ahead to continue their demonstration peacefully within the square. Violence also took place in other cities over the weekend, including Alexandria, Suez and Aswan. Two people died in the clashes in Cairo on Saturday.
However, the ceasefire did not apply to streets beyond the square, leading to the interior ministry, where much of the fighting has been taking place.
Violence has also taken place in other cities including Alexandria, Suez and Aswan.
At least 11 people were killed on Sunday and two on Saturday, according to medical sources. Health officials say as many as 900 have been injured, including at least 40 security personnel.
A statement from the cabinet said elections, due to begin in a week, would go ahead, and praised the "restraint" of interior ministry forces against protesters.A statement from the cabinet said elections, due to begin in a week, would go ahead, and praised the "restraint" of interior ministry forces against protesters.
The military council, in a statement read out on state television, said it "regretted" what was happening, AFP news agency reports.The military council, in a statement read out on state television, said it "regretted" what was happening, AFP news agency reports.
In recent weeks, protesters - mostly Islamists and young activists - have been holding demonstrations against a draft constitution that they say would allow the military to retain too much power after a new civilian government is elected.In recent weeks, protesters - mostly Islamists and young activists - have been holding demonstrations against a draft constitution that they say would allow the military to retain too much power after a new civilian government is elected.
Earlier this month, the military council produced a draft document setting out principles for a new constitution, under which the military and its budget could be exempted from civilian oversight.Earlier this month, the military council produced a draft document setting out principles for a new constitution, under which the military and its budget could be exempted from civilian oversight.
A proposal by the military that presidential elections are not held until late 2012 or early 2013 has further angered the opposition.A proposal by the military that presidential elections are not held until late 2012 or early 2013 has further angered the opposition.
Protesters want the presidential vote to take place after parliamentary elections, which begin on 28 November and will be staggered over the next three months.Protesters want the presidential vote to take place after parliamentary elections, which begin on 28 November and will be staggered over the next three months.
The latest violence is some of the worst in months between the Egyptian authorities and demonstrators.The latest violence is some of the worst in months between the Egyptian authorities and demonstrators.
Are you in Cairo? Did you witness the clashes? Send us your comments and experiences using the form below.Are you in Cairo? Did you witness the clashes? Send us your comments and experiences using the form below.
Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.
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