Egyptian masses demand end to military rule

Protesters chanted: "Down with military council," ''O Marshal, leave, leave," and called for retribution for the killing of protesters.

The demo was staged on the first anniversary of the "Friday of Rage," one of the bloodiest days of the 18-day wave of protests a year ago that ousted former president Hosni Mubarak.

In 2011 soldiers and police fired on protesters who streamed into the square, killing and wounding hundreds.

Tensions erupted today when hundreds of protesters marched toward the Defence Ministry building and were met by dozens of supporters of the military who chanted: "The army and people are one hand."

The pro-military group formed a human chain across the road but the protesters pushed through them.

Outside the ministry protesters chanted against the generals. Protester Ahmed al-Aish said the rally was to deliver a message to the military: "You must go."

The unstable alliance of Islamists and left-liberal, secular young people that powered last year's uprising is increasingly divided.

The left-leaning youth want the generals out immediately, accusing the military of being as dictatorial as Mr Mubarak.

The centre-right Muslim Brotherhood, which is now the most powerful bloc in parliament, is willing to wait for the military's promises to step aside by the end of June.

foreigneditor@peoples-press.com