20110128
Xinhua
CAIRO, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- Egypt's nationwide anti-government protests continued for the third consecutive day on Thursday with protestors calling for a one-million-march after Friday prayers.

Safwat el-Sherif, Secretary General of Egypt's ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) affirmed that the party is following the government's plan to handle crisis in a press conference on Thursday afternoon.

He added that the party respects youth commitment to peaceful expression over the past period, rejecting any threat to the national security. "Egypt is a country which always faces those who try to destabilize its national unity and security," said El- Sherif.

He further said that Egypt is fully aware of the elements that try to destroy the freedom and democracy in Egypt with igniting anarchy and spreading rumors.

The secretary general of NDP added that the party is confident to start dialogue with the youth. However, he added democracy has its regulations and that the minority cannot force its own will on the majority.

"Dialogue should always be within a peaceful way and the framework of legitimacy as the case in civilized countries," he added.

El-Sherif's press conference came as a response to the protests that hit Egypt for three days.

Thousands of Egyptian protestors participate in an unprecedented anti-government demonstration against corruption, poverty and unemployment, calling an end of the ruling of President Hosni Mubarak.

The three-day protests have led to at least 1,000 protestors in custody, with hundreds freed by the general prosecutors.

Until now at least seven people have died in the nationwide protests including one policeman, and President Mubarak has not made any public comments on the ongoing events in Egypt.

On Thursday, protesters tried to block international and regional highways in North Sinai, a few kilometers away from the borders with Gaza.

According to Xinhua reporter, more than 80 trucks carrying demonstrators are moving towards international highways to stop movements on the roads.

In Ismaliya and Suez, hundreds of protestors are clashing with the security forces, demanding the current government to step down. Local reporters said situation there is escalating.

"Young protestors threw stones at police which replied with tear gas," said a witness in Suez.

In Alexandria, hundreds went to the streets protesting in front of the court of Hakaniya in Mashiya Square. The protestors demanded the release of lawyers who were arrested in the past two days of protests in Alexandria, a witnesses said.

Egypt's reform leader and Nobel laureate Mohamed El Baradie arrived in Cairo Thursday evening to join the anti-government demonstrations that are scheduled to take place after Friday prayers.

"It's a process, change cannot take place over night," said the 68-year-old El Baradie who gives credit to Egyptian youth inspired by the Tunisian "Jasmine Revolution."

Before arriving in Cairo, El Baradie told reporters in Vienna that he is ready to lead an interim government if Egyptians succeed in overthrowing the current government.