An atmosphere of relative calm on Friday morning dominated the area surrounding Cairo's presidential palace where planned protests are expected to take place following Friday noon prayers.

Only six central security forces vehicles and one armed vehicle were deployed in the area between al-Ahram Street and al-Merghani Street surrounding the palace, the Middle East News Agency (MENA) reported.

Rainfall early in the morning delayed the arrival of demonstrators to Tahrir Square on the "Friday of Salvation" which several political powers had called for, the agency said.

Participants in today's demonstrations are calling for sacking Prime Minister Hisham Kandil's cabinet, forming a national salvation government, forming a committee to amend disputed articles in the constitution, and dismissing chief prosecutor general.

Their demands also include forming a judicial committee to investigate the recent killings of protesters and holding those responsible accountable as well as ending the state of emergency imposed on three Suez Canal governorates.

Al-Wafd Party, the Constitution Party, the Free Egyptians Party, the Socialist Popular Alliance, and April 6's Democratic Front are among the participants in today's protests.