The head of the Egyptian supreme military council, Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, in a speech on Tuesday, stated that the armed forces would not be a substitute for the legitimacy accepted by the people. He declared the council accepts the resignation of Essam Sharaf Government. He added this government will continue to work until the formation of a new government.
Tantawi said the military will abide by the dates set for holding parliamentary elections and confirmed that presidential elections would be held before June 30, 2012.
He noted that the ruling military council is "fully prepared to hand over powers immediately and return to its basic mission, which is to protect the country borders and its people." And he said: "Our aim was first to restore security and we have succeeded in that."
Earlier, Abul-Ela Madi, the leader of Al Wasat (Center) Party had announced that the Egyptian political forces agreed with the leaders of the military junta on Tuesday to hold parliamentary elections as scheduled on 28th of this month, and the presidential election no later than June 30, 2012. In addition, it was agreed on forming a government of "national salvation". Madi added the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces does not mind to return to its barracks but just after a referendum which determines the Egyptian people's position towards the army.
The latest agreements came as thousands of Egyptians demonstrated against the junta in Cairo's Tahrir Square and other parts of Egypt.
