As violence rages in Cairo, thousands of pro-Mubarak protesters are also demonstrating in various areas of Alexandria, supporting his latest speech and condemning the opposition. Protesters filled the streets in Semoha, Sidi Beshr, Mahatit Misr, Algomrok, Sidi Gaber and Mahatit Alramal neighborhoods. A source at the National Democratic Party (NDP) in Alexandria, who asked not to be identified, told Al-Masry Al-Youm that the party asked its provincial offices to organize pro-Mubarak protests in order to show the people the president is still popular. Mohamed al-Helo, member of Alexandria's local council and Abdallah Osman, a high ranking member of the NDP in Alexandria were seen guiding the pro-Mubarak protesters. In Semoha district, thousands gathered in the square chanting “President, we love you!” and "Oh Mubarak the pilot, don't leave Egypt burning," and "There is nobody like Mubarak.” Ahmed Zahaby, a government official who participated, said Mubarak “agreed on all the demands raised by the opposition and he is not going to run in the next presidential elections. He brought a vice president, not his son Gamal, what else do they want?" Men on horseback were seen in the demonstration, while other people brought Egyptians flags from cars. Others were writing on banners advocating for the president. In their first public appearance in Alexandria since Friday, police cars were seen in Semoha. The pro-Mubarak protesters carried two policemen chanting "people and the police are one hand," mimicking the chants of anti-Mubarak protesters, who have claimed the army as part of the people. At Mahatit al-Ramal district, clashes erupted between demonstrators for and against Mubarak in front of Al-Qaed Ibrahim Mosque but the army asked pro-Mubarak protesters to leave the area. Al-Qaed Ibrahim Mosque was one of three central points for the massive anti-Mubarak rallies during the last weeks in addition to Mahatit al-Ramal and Sidi Gaber. Earlier on Wednesday, following Mubarak's speech Tuesday night in which he promised not to run for re-election this year, dozens of thugs attacked the anti-Mubarak protest in Mahatit Misr, injuring protesters. At Al-Gomrok district, hundreds of pro-Mubarak protesters chanting against opposition figure Mohamed ElBaradei slogans such as "Oh coward Baradei, agent of the American." "We are crying for the president. He is a hero of the war and he can't be ousted in such a bad manner. That's humiliating not for Mubarak but for all real Egyptians," said another participant and government official, Waleed Farouk, 36.
