Military rulers suspend Egyptian constitution

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.