In a statement on state TV, the higher military council said it would stay in power six months, or until elections.

Egypt's current parliament is dominated by supporters of President Hosni Mubarak, who was ousted on Friday after 18 days of mass protests.

Earlier, there were scuffles in Cairo's Tahrir Square as protesters thwarted army efforts to remove them.

The military police chief has called for tents to be cleared from the area, the focal point of the uprising that led to Mr Mubarak's departure.

Also, disruption caused by public sector strikes has prompted the central bank to declare an extra bank holiday on February 14.

A statement was read out on state TV on February 13 from the higher military council, saying it would suspend the constitution and set up a committee to draft a new one, before submitting it to a popular referendum.

Mr Mubarak resigned on February 12 after 18 days of protests, and was flown to his luxury residence in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.

Caretaker Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq said on February 13 that the former president was still in the resort, despite rumours that he had fled the country.

UK Business Secretary Vince Cable has urged international co-operation to track down any illegal assets held by Mr Mubarak.

Switzerland has announced a freeze on any assets held by the former president, and the UK government is under pressure to do the same.