Egypt's nighttime curfew has taken effect but tens of thousands of anti-government protesters have remained in Cairo's Tahrir, Liberation, Square Friday, calling for the immediate departure of President Hosni Mubarak.
Television video has shown chanting protesters waving Egypt's red, white and black flag. Others have erected huge banners while at least one rose what appeared to be an effigy of President Mubarak.
Protesters are calling Friday the "day of departure" for Mr. Mubarak, although the president vowed to finish his term in a speech earlier this week.The protesters were joined in Tahir Square by Arab League chief Amr Moussa, a long time Egyptian political figure who has served as Egypt's foreign minister. France's Europe 1 radio quoted him as saying he may consider running for president but believes Mr. Mubarak will finish his term.
A smaller group of Mubarak supporters also gathered in Cairo but security forces prevented them from entering Tahrir Square.
Thousands of anti-government protesters also massed Friday in Alexandria, where they have been holding a peaceful rally. News reports say thousands of people are also attending anti-government rallies in Suez, Ismailia and other cities.
Egyptian Defense Minister Hussein Tantawi was seen visiting the square Friday for the first time since the start of the protests.