Statement from Egypt Military

(14 Feb,2011) Cairo: Egypt's military rulers called for an end to strikes and protests on Monday as thousands of state employees, from ambulance drivers to police and transport workers, demonstrated to demand better pay and conditions.

The growing wave of labour unrest has been unleashed by the democracy uprising that ousted President Hosni Mubarak.

The statement by the ruling military council that took power from Mubarak appeared to be a final warning to protest organisers in labour and professional unions before the army intervenes and imposes an outright ban on gatherings, strikes and sit-ins.

In Cairo's Giza district, hundreds of ambulance drivers demonstrated to demand better pay and permanent jobs.

The statement also warned that strikes and protests hurt the country's security and economy and gave a chance to what it called "irresponsible parties" to commit "illegal acts." It did not elaborate.

Some small scuffles broke out as soldiers attempted to clear all the remaining demonstrators from Cairo's Tahrir Square on Monday, the giant traffic circle that was turned into a protest camp headquarters for the 18-day revolt.

The few dozen remaining protesters say they won't leave until all those detained during the revolt are released.