Egyptian Demonstrators Demand For a Speedier Transfer of Power to Civilian Rule

Officials have reported that at least 30 people have been killed, and more than a hundred wounded, since the protests erupted in Cairo’s Tahrir Square this past weekend.

The demonstrators are critics of Egypts ruling military council, who are demanding that the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) hand over power immediately to an interim civilian council.

The ruling Military council yesterday promised a speedier handover to civilian rule, with the head of SCAF, Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, announcing that parliamentary polls will be scheduled to begin on November 28, and presidential elections would be held by July 2012.  Initially, this was set to happen in 2013.

After Field Marshal Tantawi spoke, protesters in Tahrir Square chanted, "We are not leaving, he leaves," referring to Field Marshal Tantawi.

Ms. Pillay, the U.N. High Commissioner of Human Rights has issued a statement warning authorities against the use of force and violence.

"I urge the Egyptian authorities to end the clearly excessive use of force against protesters in Tahrir square and elsewhere in the country, including the apparent improper use of tear gas, rubber bullets and live ammunition," she said in a statement.