Egyptian opposition expects ultimatum to be fulfilled

Organizers of the protest plan to gather at least a million protesters
in Cairo. The Egyptian opposition plans to make Friday "Mubarak's last
day". Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmed Shafik ordered the police to allow
peaceful marches to be held.

ITAR-TASS reports that members of human rights and charity
organizations were arrested in Egypt. The Amnesty International leader
Salil Shetty said that two members of his organization were arrested
and 30 others detained in Cairo on Thursday.

The human rights center was blockaded by the police.

Cairo saw clashes between the two poising groups, resulting in 13
dead. Attempts were made to destabilize the situation and break
efforts of the authorities to achieve a compromise. Mubarak's latest
speech gave hopes for peaceful process. However, Mubarak's supporters
suddenly attacked anti-government protesters. The quantity of
opposition rose dramatically after the attacks at Tahrir Square.

Ahmed Shafik organized a press-conference where he apologized for the
tragic events and promised to punish all responsible for security.

Many say that the former Minister of the Interior Habib El Adly is
behind all the violence. He ordered the law-enforcers to leave the
streets and had all the criminals and convicted for terrorism
released. Shafik said that Adly will be punished when his guilt will
be proven.

Despite Shafik's statements that order will be restored, unknown
assailants set hypermarkets and trading centers on fire in Cairo in
the evening. Clashes between Mubarak's support and opposition occur in
the city. Foreign journalists were attacked.

Chances for peace became visible when the authorities started a
dialogue with opposition. Most major parties, except the Muslim
Brotherhood and supporters of Mohamed ElBaradei, expressed readiness
to take part in the talks.

ElBaradei said that a dialogue should only start after order in the
country is restored.