Egypt PM says 'country's military to remain in power until June 30'

Cairo - Egyptian Prime Minister Kamal el-Ganzouri has said that the country's ruling military authorities would stay in power until June 30, despite the recent calls for an earlier transfer of power to a civilian administration.

"The (ruling) Supreme Council of the Armed Forces will not leave before this date. I say this as an official," Gulf News quoted Al Ganzouri, as saying.

According to the report, Al Ganzouri added that nominations for a presidential election would be accepted starting March 10.

He, however, did not say exactly when the polls would be held.

"The political map is clear and the programme for transferring the power to a civilian president is being implemented," Al Ganzouri added.

His remarks came amid increasing pressure by the opposition on the military rulers to cede power as soon as possible.

The military has been ruling Egypt since last February when a popular uprising forced long-time president Hosni Mubarak to step down.

According to the report, several protest groups and trade unions have planned a nationwide civil disobedience protest on February 11, the first anniversary of Mubarak's ouster, to press the military on expediting the transfer of power and trials for officials from the Mubarak regime charged with killing over 800 people during the revolt.

The Muslim Brotherhood, that holds nearly half of parliament, has said it will not participate in the protest.