Cairo: Egyptian Prime Minister Kamal Al Ganzouri Thursday called for unity "to preserve the country's interests", as anti-military opposition was planning mass protests to denounce a recent deadly crackdown.

"There should be a dialogue with different political factions so that security will be re-established across the country," Al Ganzouri told a press conference in Cairo.

Al Ganzouri was sworn in as Egypt's new prime minister earlier this month among vehement opposition from anti-military protesters who regard him as part of the regime of former president Hosni Mubarak. Al-Ganzour, 78, had served under Mubarak in the 1990s.

"In the early months of the revolution, everyone hurried to pledge aid to Egypt," he said, referring to a popular uprising that swept Mubarak away from power in February. "But in recent months, they turned their backs on Egypt until we come to terms among ourselves".

According to Al Ganzouri, Egypt has got 1 billion dollars in aid since Mubarak's toppling.

Al Ganzouri, a veteran economist, said security was vital for Egypt's economic revival. Egypt has been gripped by tensions after clashes between army forces and anti-government protesters left 15 people dead and more than 900 injured. The violence brought the country's military rulers under heavy criticism.

Protests to condemn the violent clampdown

Around 30 opposition groups have said they will organise on Friday mass protests in central Cairo and other areas of the nation to condemn the violent clampdown, mainly against women.

The violence, the worst in weeks, has also raised calls for the military junta, ruling the country since Mubarak's ouster, to expedite handing over power to a civilian administration.

Muslim Brotherhood

The Muslim Brotherhood, the country's largest opposition group, has said it will not participate in the planned rallies, adding that Egypt is in need of stability.

Some opposition groups have suggested presidential elections be held on January 25 and the new president be sworn in by February 11 that marks the first anniversary of Mubarak's overthrow. The military has pledged to transfer power by next July.

In an apparent bid to allay critics, Field Marshal Hussain tantawi, the de facto military ruler, has decreed that the lower house of the parliament, the People's Assembly, will hold its maiden meeting on January 23 without having to wait for election for a new upper house set for late January, local media reported on Thursday.

The meeting will be held less than two weeks after the final round of legislative elections.

The prime task of the legislature will be to pick a commission that will draft a new constitution for Egypt.