Egypt protesters reject military offer

CAIRO: The head of Egypt's ruling military has promised to speed up the return of power to civilian hands as he tries to quell protests that have left 37 people dead.

Demonstrations continued despite the announcement from Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi with protesters battling with police.

At the campaign's focal point, Cairo's Tahrir Square, tens of thousands of people chanted "Leave! Leave!" and "The people want to topple the marshal. “Field Marshal Tantawi has run the ruling military council since Hosni Mubarak was forced from power in February.

In a televised address he promised a civilian president would be elected in June next year, six months ahead of schedule.

The decision followed a meeting between the army and politicians.

They also agreed to install a national salvation government, following the resignation of the entire Egyptian cabinet on Sunday.

He also confirmed Egypt's parliamentary elections would begin on Monday as planned, however they will take until January to complete.

The 76-year-old denied the military was trying to retain power:

"The army is ready to go back to barracks immediately if the people wish that through a popular referendum, if need be." he said.