This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/world-middle-east-15843425

The article has changed 9 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Egypt military pledges to speed up power transfer Egypt military pledges to speed up power transfer
(40 minutes later)
Egypt's military rulers have agreed to speed up presidential elections, a key demand of protesters packing Cairo's Tahrir Square.Egypt's military rulers have agreed to speed up presidential elections, a key demand of protesters packing Cairo's Tahrir Square.
Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, head of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, said on national TV they would happen by July 2012.Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, head of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, said on national TV they would happen by July 2012.
He said he had accepted the resignation of the cabinet and that parliamentary elections next week would go ahead.He said he had accepted the resignation of the cabinet and that parliamentary elections next week would go ahead.
It follows days of protests in Cairo's Tahrir Square over the pace of reform.It follows days of protests in Cairo's Tahrir Square over the pace of reform.
Tens of thousands of people continued to pack Tahrir Square on Tuesday evening.Tens of thousands of people continued to pack Tahrir Square on Tuesday evening.
Witnesses said many appeared to reject the military's latest concessions, chanting: "We are not leaving, he (Tantawi) leaves."Witnesses said many appeared to reject the military's latest concessions, chanting: "We are not leaving, he (Tantawi) leaves."
Next week's parliamentary elections are due to set in train a process of transition to democracy following the toppling of President Hosni Mubarak in February.Next week's parliamentary elections are due to set in train a process of transition to democracy following the toppling of President Hosni Mubarak in February.
But many Egyptians fear the military intends to hold on to power, whatever the outcome of the polls.But many Egyptians fear the military intends to hold on to power, whatever the outcome of the polls.
Under the military's original timetable, presidential elections might not have happened until 2013.Under the military's original timetable, presidential elections might not have happened until 2013.
The BBC's Kevin Connolly in Cairo says the army's readiness to bring forward presidential elections appears to be a major concession.The BBC's Kevin Connolly in Cairo says the army's readiness to bring forward presidential elections appears to be a major concession.
Field Marshal Tantawi said that the military was only there to protect the people and did not seek permanent power.Field Marshal Tantawi said that the military was only there to protect the people and did not seek permanent power.
"The armed forces, represented by their Supreme Council, do not aspire to govern and put the supreme interest of the country above all considerations," he said.
He also said the military was prepared to hand over power "immediately" if a public referendum backed the move.
Salvation governmentSalvation government
His announcement followed a day of crisis talks between the military and political leaders.His announcement followed a day of crisis talks between the military and political leaders.
Parliamentary elections that begin next week will be staggered over three months.Parliamentary elections that begin next week will be staggered over three months.
They were cast in doubt after days of protests and by the offer by the military-appointed civilian cabinet, led by Prime Minister Essam Sharaf, to resign.They were cast in doubt after days of protests and by the offer by the military-appointed civilian cabinet, led by Prime Minister Essam Sharaf, to resign.
The military's original timetable called for the new parliament to then choose a 100-member constituent assembly to draw up a new constitution within six months.The military's original timetable called for the new parliament to then choose a 100-member constituent assembly to draw up a new constitution within six months.
A referendum would then approve the document before a presidential election is held. That would mean the military still in power until late 2012 or early 2013.A referendum would then approve the document before a presidential election is held. That would mean the military still in power until late 2012 or early 2013.
Protesters, however, had demanded the presidential vote take place after the parliamentary elections.Protesters, however, had demanded the presidential vote take place after the parliamentary elections.