"Egypt to form panel to amend constitution"

CAIRO: Egypt's new military leadership said on Sunday it would form a panel to amend the country's constitution before submitting the changes to a popular referendum, according to state TV.

The protesters who led the popular uprising that forced president Hosni Mubarak from power had repeatedly demanded reform of the constitution, which was widely seen as favouring his ruling National Democratic Party (NDP).

The military also said it would dissolve parliament, after elections last November handed the NDP an overwhelming majority following opposition boycotts and widespread allegations of vote-rigging.