Protesters in the Egyptian capital Cairo are gathering to stage a "day of departure" for President Hosni Mubarak.
Tens of thousands are expected in Tahrir Square amid an increased army presence, after days of unrest that has led to hundreds of casualties.Mr Mubarak is under increasing pressure to resign, with the US now calling for an immediate transition of power. The protest organisers are demanding that he leave immediately.They have been angered further by the emergence in recent days of pro-Mubarak gangs - many suspected to be plain clothes police - who have attacked anti-government protesters. Egypt's health ministry says eight people have been killed and more than 800 injured in the clashes, but the UN estimates that more than 300 people have died since the unrest broke out on 25 January, with about 4,000 hurt.
Egypt's Vice-President Omar Suleiman has appealed for calm and urged the protesters to accept Mr Mubarak's pledge that he will not stand for election again. But it has now emerged that the White House has been in talks with Mr Suleiman about how Egypt can begin making a "meaningful transition" to a democratic government that addresses the aspirations of the Egyptian people.US Vice-President Joe Biden spoke to his Egyptian counterpart on Thursday, say diplomats, a day after Mr Suleiman had similar talks with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The New York times suggested that among the proposals was a plan for Mr Mubarak to resign immediately and hand power to a military-backed interim government under Mr Suleiman. The crisis in Egypt has intensified in recent days as supporters of Mr Mubarak have begun attacking protesters in the capital .Stones were thrown on both sides, and there were reports of gunfire, while footage has emerged of vehicles being driven at speed through crowds of protesters. Tens of thousands of people remained in central Cairo after dark on Thursday, some involved in running battles with Mubarak supporters.(Ref: BBC News)
Prof.JohnKurakar
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