London wants 'rapid' transition in Egypt

London advocates a "rapid timetable for transition" from military to civilian leadership in the Egyptian government, the British foreign secretary said. Clashes erupted between anti-regime protesters and Egyptian security forces for a fifth consecutive day Wednesday. Protests broke out in part because of frustration with the pace at which the ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces is handling plans to cede authority to a civilian government. Dozens of people were killed in street clashes in downtown Cairo. SCAF leader Hussein Tantawi said Tuesday that Monday's parliamentary elections would go ahead as planned and presidential elections would take place by July. "We and many other countries have consistently called for a clear, rapid timetable for transition to civilian-led democratic rule in Egypt," British Foreign Secretary William Hague said in a statement. "For such a transition to succeed, it is critical that parliamentary elections are transparent, fair and credible, and held in a secure atmosphere which allows Egyptians to express their political will freely." Protesters chanted "leave" in Arabic following Tantawi's address Tuesday. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay called on military and security forces to practice restraint, describing some of the reports of beatings and other alleged atrocities as "deeply shocking." "There should be a prompt, impartial and independent investigation, and accountability for those found responsible for the abuses that have taken place should be ensured," she said. An Egyptian revolution ended Hosni Mubarak's grip on power in early February. SCAF promised to have elections within six months of his ouster.