Egyptian PM apologises for violent clashes

As the unrest continues, Egypt's Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq has apologised for the fatal clashes between anti-government protesters and supporters of President Hosni Mubarak.

He told Egyptian-owned al Hayat television that he was apologising for the "fatal error," as "there is no excuse to attack peaceful protesters."

Fighting broke out in Cairo's Tahrir Square on Wednesday as stones and petrol bombs were thrown. Five people reportedly died and 836 were injured.

Shafiq promised that "when investigations reveal who is behind this crime and who allowed it to happen, they will be held accountable and will be punished for what they did."

He also appealed to the anti-government protesters to return to their homes "to help end this crisis."

The prime minister's apology comes in the wake of denial by other government officials of any state involvement in the clashes.

Mr Mubarak has said that he will serve out his current presidential term, which ends in September, but will not run for re-election.