CAIRO - Dozens of political groups and parties have decided to postpone a million-strong rally that was due tomorrow in Tahrir Square until next week and say they will invite Prime Minister Essam Sharaf to attend a fast-breaking meal ahead of it. Out of the 56 parties and groups taking part in the ‘For the Love of Egypt' mass rally, 28 have decided to delay it until next Friday, until Prime Minister Sharaf has issued a statement on the civil nature of Egypt," says Essam Shaaban, a key leader of the Egyptian Communist Party. He adds that the mass rally will be attended by Muslims and Christians, who are fully persuaded that Egypt is a civil state. Several liberal and leftists political parties and movements, along with Sufi orders, had suggested holding a million-man protest tomorrow under the banner ‘For the Love of Egypt'. The demonstration was set to start at sunset prayers, when Muslims break their fast, and run until midnight. Several cultural and religious activities were to be held, including a Christian Mass, to emphasise the unity of Egyptian society. Some other 28 parties and movements have not yet reached a decision on whether or not to postpone the event to the following Friday. The Tahrir Egyptian Sufi Party is insisting on proceeding with the protest tomorrow as planned. They are supported in this by the April 6th Youth Movement's ‘Ahmed Maher Front', which will nevertheless hold a meeting Thursday to discuss its position in the wake of the call for a delay. However, the Supreme Council of Sufi Orders has warned against staging the protest, describing it as a danger to Egypt. "Such protests have become a means to flex muscles," says Hesham el-Bastawisi, a presidential hopeful, referring to the Brotherhood-led demonstration held two weeks ago. "The political powers should hold clear dialogue with each other over the future of Egypt and how to manage the transitional period.” Sharaf has promised to send a governmental delegation to the proposed celebrations, while leaders of Coptic parties, liberal and secular groups have formed an organisational committee to prepare for the protest
