Millions of Egyptians have surrounded the Presidential Palace and the state Radio and Television building in Cairo as the Mubarak regime dispatches scores of vigilantes to attack pro-democracy protesters.
According to a Press TV correspondent, the republican guards have been deployed around the palace with snipers positioned on the rooftop of the building.
The measure was taken after protesters began gathering outside the presidential palace following the Friday Prayers.
The state Radio and Television building has also been encircled by large number of anti-Mubarak demonstrators. The protesters have formed a human barricade around the building, blocking all the entrance and exits.
This is while, a huge crowd of pro-democracy protesters have already gathered at Cairo's Liberation Square. More than one million protesters performed their Friday Prayers in the square.
Protesters in the Liberation Square are chanting, "Leave, leave Mubarak, Suleiman," "No to Mubarak. No to Suleiman," and "Strike, strike until [the] collapse of Mubarak," a Press TV correspondent reported.
Elsewhere in Egypt, more than one million pro-democracy protesters have taken to the streets of Alexandria.
Embattled Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, who once again has defied calls to step down in a late Thursday night television address, has stepped up the crackdown on peaceful protesters across the country.
In his address, Mubarak said he would not accept what he called “foreign dictates” and said that he would delegate some of his powers to newly-appointed Vice President Omar Suleiman.
Suleiman also appeared on state TV, praising Mubarak and urging demonstrators to go home. Mubarak and Suleiman's comments fueled the anger of the protesters.
In its statement broadcast on state TV, the military's Supreme Command Council warned against any threats to Egyptian national security.
The statement said that a 30-year-old state of emergency would be lifted when the security situation improves. The army also said it will safeguard people's demands and guarantee the implementation of necessary amendments.
The army also promised to hold free and fair elections but did not set a specific date for the polls.
The army statement in support of President Mubarak's planned reforms further infuriated protesters.
World leaders have reacted to President Mubarak's refusal to relinquish power with the United Nations repeating its call for a transparent, orderly and peaceful transition of power in the country.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon says the legitimate aspirations of the Egyptian people must be met and that the world body is ready to assist Egypt in the process.
US President Barack Obama has called for concrete change in the country. Obama said Cairo must spell out a clear path to democracy.
The European Union led by Britain, France and Germany also called for change in Egypt.
German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said Mubarak's speech has left the international community more concerned.
More than 300 people have been killed and thousands of others injured during the pro-democracy protests in Egypt.
JR/HGH/MMN
Source: presstv
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