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A protester reads a newspaper as he sits before a line of Egyptian Army soldiers in Tahrir Square, Cairo, today. AP Photo/Hussein Malla
Egypt

Army dissolves Egypt's parliament as protests continue

Meanwhile, Egyptian minister says over a dozen artefacts have gone missing from the Egyptian Museum in Cairo since the protests began.

Updated at 14:10

THE EGYPTIAN ARMY has dissolved the parliament appointed by former president Hosni Mubarak, and says elections will be held in September, according to Al Jazeera Live.

Today, a group of pro-democracy demonstrators refused to adhere to the army’s calls to leave Tahrir Square, saying they would not drop their protest until more of their demands have been met.

The protesters are calling for a definite timetable for a transfer of power to a new, democratically-elected government.

The military is currently in charge after Mubarak bowed to public pressure and resigned on Friday.

Yesterday, the army released a statement saying it would oversee the transition to civilian rule, but wanted the current government to remain in power until then. The army also moved to calm regional concerns when it said it would uphold all of Egypt’s international and regional treaties.

Today, on the first working day since the protests against Mubarak erupted, scuffles broke out as the army and police attempted to clear demonstrators from Tahrir Square. Al Jazeera’s reporter James Bays said the situation showed that protesters don’t believe Mubarak’s resignation is enough, while the army says it’s time for stability.

Missing artefacts

Earlier today, the Egyptian Minister of Antiquities said that at least 17 artefacts have gone missing from the Egyptian Museum. The objects are understood to include several major pieces, including one state of King Tutankhamun, the AFP reports.

The museum is probably best known for its collection of Tutankhamun antiquities, some of which will be visiting Ireland later this month as part of a world tour.

The museum, which sits on Tahrir Square, was broken into during the protests and at least two mummies were destroyed. Afterwards, civilians and the army protected the building to prevent further damage and looting.

In photos: the protests that pushed Mubarak out >

[caption id="attachment_83616" align="alignnone" width="512" caption="Army soldiers remove the makeshift tents of protesters in Tahrir Square in downtown Cairo, Egypt, 13 February, 2011. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)"][/caption]