Egypt's new military rulers said on Sunday they would keep control of the country for six months or until parliamentary and presidential elections are held following constitutional amendments.

A statement read on state television also said the Higher Military Council was dissolving parliament and suspending the constitution while a committee drafts an amended constitution.

The higher council of the armed forces will manage the affairs of the country for a temporary period of six months or until the end of elections to the upper and lower houses of parliament, and presidential elections, it said.

The decisions it took included dissolving the upper and lower houses of parliament and establishing a committee to amend some clauses of the constitution and defining the rules for a popular referendum on this.

President Hosni Mubarak stepped down on Friday after 18 days of popular protests against his 30-year rule. The army promised democratic reforms when it assumed power.

The Higher Military Council's decisions were given as follows:

1) suspending the constitution

2) forming a committee to amend some constitutional clauses and defining the rules of a popular referendum on this

3) dissolving both houses of parliament

4) the Higher Military Council will run the country in a temporary capacity for six months or until the end of elections to both houses of parliament and the presidency

5) the head of the council will represent Egypt abroad

6) the Higher Military Council will issue laws in the transitional period

7) Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq will continue in office until the formation of a new government

8) holding elections to the two houses of parliament and the presidency

9) the state commits itself to implementing international treaties and commitments.

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