Protesters around the world rally against Egypt's Mubarak

Protesters around the world rally against Egypt's

Mubarak

(CNN) -- Egyptians and activists around the world took to the streets Saturday demanding the immediate resignation of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.

Demonstrations were held in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Paris, New York, London, Tokyo and in the West Bank city of Ramallah. In Washington, protesters marched from the Egyptian Embassy to the White House, carrying posters and chanting. They observed a moment of silence for the people who have lost their lives since the protests in Egypt began late last month.

"Mubarak staying in Egypt is not going to be beneficial for the security of Egypt. It's just going to fuel most protests in the streets," said Ahmed Fathi, head of the Alliance of Egyptian-Americans, who attended the New York protest.

He said Mubarak is simply taking "cosmetic actions" and refusing real change.

On day 12 of the unfolding unrest, apparent fissures in Egypt's regime surfaced as key members of the embattled ruling party, including Mubarak's once heir-apparent son, gave up their party leadership posts and the vice president began talks with opposition leaders.

It was a strong gesture. But for many of the protesters in Egypt, and for those who support them elsewhere, it was not enough.

In Tokyo, more than 200 demonstrators marched through the streets for about two hours, chanting and waving flags. One protester held a sign that read: "Freedom is a demand for all nations."

In Atlanta, activists rallied at a downtown street corner. They asked motorists to honk in their support and many cars blared as they sped past.

In New York, demonstrators met outside the U.N. building in the freezing rain for the second weekend in a row. They chanted, "Hey, hey, Ho, ho -- Mubarak must go!" and carried signs that read, "Free Egypt, Jail Mubarak."

Protesters in the West Bank city of Ramallah were forcibly disbanded when a few dozen men in plain clothes disrupted their demonstration. The afternoon rally against Mubarak stretched about three small city blocks.

In London, activists rallied outside the Egyptian Embassy, while in Paris, CNN iReporters said that protesters marched in the streets. One demonstrator carried a sign that read,"Tunisia, Egypt. Long live the revolution!"

Meanwhile, protesters in Los Angeles rallied outside the Federal Building on the west side of the city. Some held a large banner that read, "End U.S. Aid to the Mubarak Regime!" -- an idea echoed by many in attendance.

"I want democracy in Egypt. And I want my president to stop sending my tax dollars supporting a dictator over there," said

demonstrator Dan Henrickson.

By the CNN Wire Staff

February 6, 2011 --