Egypt's highest court has asserted its ruling that led to the disbanding of parliament is final and binding, state television said, setting up a showdown with the new president.

The judge in the trial of Hosni Mubarak has summoned the top brass in Egypt’s new ruling military council and his former vice president to testify in closed sessions on the ousted leader’s role in putting down protests against his rule.

Egypt’s military has stepped in to “safeguard the country” and assured protesters that President Hosni Mubarak will meet their demands.