Egyptians brace for new anti-Mubarak rally

CAIRO (Reuters) - Egyptians fighting to oust President Hosni Mubarak hoped to rally a million people on Friday as the United States worked to convince the 82-year-old leader to begin handing over power.

A senior U.S. official, who declined to be named, said on Thursday Washington was discussing with Egyptians different scenarios, including one in which Mubarak resigned immediately.

Mubarak, however, speaking in an interview with ABC on Thursday, said he believed his country still needed him.

"If I resign today, there will be chaos," Mubarak, who has promised to step down in September, said. Asked to comment on calls for him to resign, he said: "I don't care what people say about me. Right now I care about my country."

In Cairo's Tahrir Square -- the hub of protests now into their 11th day -- thousands who had defied a curfew and attacks on Wednesday by pro-Mubarak supporters -- were preparing for a rally they had dubbed the "Friday of Departure".

Organisers called on people to march from wherever they were towards the square, the state television building and the parliament building -- all within around a mile of one another.

By daybreak, protesters were already buzzing around Tahrir Square with banners and rallying their comrades with chants from the speakers of: "Let Mubarak fall ... Let Mubarak fall ... Let Mubarak fall."

"Today is the last day ... today is the last day!" they shouted, while nostalgic music was played. "Egypt is today in celebration." Tents were scattered across the square and some had slept on the grass, ready for the planned day of protest.   Continued...

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