Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak appears prepared to confront opponents who have demanded his resignation. Egyptian officials said the Mubarak regime would not allow opposition protests without a license. They said the regime was concerned that the protests would mushroom and turn violent. "It is permitted to express views," Cairo Security Director Maj. Gen. Nabil Ezabi said. "But if we are getting to the stage of [people] getting used to violations, then the principle must be that legal regulations must be implemented." Officials said opposition groups have been holding unlicensed protests in Alexandria, Cairo and Mansoura. They said licenses would be issued by authorities to groups that could ensure non-violent demonstrations.