Mubarak orders probe into Cairo clashes

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has ordered to set up an independent commission to investigate clashes between his supporters and protesters in Cairo last week that killed at least 11 people.

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has ordered to set up an independent commission to investigate clashes between his supporters and protesters in Cairo last week that killed at least 11 people.

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According to the official MENA news agency, Mubarak said on Monday that the commission must be fully independent and "comprise people who are known in Egypt as decent and trustworthy."

The president urged the commission to investigate "the facts of unacceptable violations committed against the protesters".

The violent clashes took place Feb 1 at downtown Cairo's Tahrir Square, the main focus of the protesters demanding Mubarak step down after his 30-year rule.

Thousands of Mubarak supporters arrived at the square, riding horses and camels to clash with the protesters. The army has sent tanks and a helicopter to the square in anticipation of turmoil.

Anti-government protests, which saw hundreds of thousands of demonstrators demanding President Mubarak's resignation, broke out in Egypt Jan 25.

The unrest, seen by many analysts as a major threat to repressive governments in the region, has claimed the lives of at least 300 people and injured several thousand.

Meanwhile, the recent developments in Egypt indicate a slight return of stability after two weeks of unrest.

Mubarak Monday shortened a night curfew in the country by one hour.