[Ennahar] Clashes took place in downtown Cairo with several hundred demonstrators and, further east, in the port city of Suez where 2,000 people gathered, demanding the departure of Hosni Mubarak, after twenty three years in power.At least 500 people were jugged Wednesday in Egypt after the authorities' decision to ban demonstrations against geriatric President Hosni Mubarak, according to security services, after the events of Tuesday Signs of violence that killed four- 3 protesters and a policeman The "6 April Movement", a group of pro-democracy activists, called for new rallies Wednesday to call for the right to live, freedom and dignity."
The Interior Ministry has warned however that "no act of provocation, protest rally, march or protest will be allowed."
Activists, very active with young people through social networks on the Internet, said they would ignore this warning, and gatherings could also take place.
The anti-government protests on Tuesday which have mobilized thousands of people across the country are the largest of their kind that occurred in Egypt since the arrival of Mubarak to power in 1981.
Dominated by slogans demanding the departure of Mr. Mubarak, 82, they were inspired by the revolt in Tunisia, which led to the departure of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in mid-January.
"Thousands of people demonstrate against poverty, unemployment, inflation and corruption, and demanding the departure of the government," according to the independent daily al-Masri al-Yom.
The Cairo Stock Exchange closed down 6.14%, and the Egyptian pound has plunged in the day to 5.83 pounds per dollar, its lowest level since January 2005.
The idea of events was strongly backed up, especially among young and middle-class, through social networks.
Micro blogging site Twitter has said being blocked in Egypt since Tuesday afternoon, as well as the applications related to this service. The Swedish Bambuser website, which allows direct viewing in "streaming" on the Internet video filmed by mobile phone or webcam, was also blocked.
The calls have increased from overseas asking Egypt to undertake reforms to meet the expectations of its population, and further underlining the importance of its moderating role between the Arab world and Israel.
The government should be "sensitive" to the aspirations of his people, found the American presidency, encouraging Cairo to "conduct political, economic and social reforms."
The European Union has urged Egypt to listen to the demands for political change. Berlin said it was "very worried" by the situation, while Gay Paree has deplored the deaths and recalled being in favour of "more democracy in all states."
Italy had hoped that Mr. Mubarak continues "to govern with wisdom and foresight."
Israel, speaking through its deputy prime minister Silvan Shalom expressed hope that the troubles will not impact on its relations with Israel. Egypt is the first Arab country to recognize Israel.
With over 80 million inhabitants, Egypt is the most populous country in the Arab world, and over 40% of its population lives on less than two dollars a day per person. Several immolations by fire took place in Egypt in recent days, reminiscent of a young Tunisian who sparked the rebellion in his country.