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Obama Calls On Mubarak to Hand Over Power Immediately
Following Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's announcement that he would step down from office in September, President Obama rejected the Egyptian leader's timetable and called for an immediate transition to a new government in advance of fall elections.
"Change must take place," Obama said in remarks Tuesday evening at the White House. "My belief is that an orderly transition must be meaningful, it must be peaceful, and it must begin now."
Obama said he had spoken with Mubarak earlier and reported that the Egyptian leader "recognizes that the status quo is not sustainable."
The president's statement capped another tumultuous day in Egypt, which saw the largest demonstrations since the anti-government movement took shape last week.
Earlier Tuesday Obama urged Mubarak, who has run the country for nearly 30 years, not to seek another term. The message was delivered by former U.S. Ambassador to Egypt Frank Wisner, who was dispatched by the State Department Monday to help Egyptian officials plan elections for fall.
Later, in a televised address, Mubarak announced he would not seek reelection but would serve out the rest of his term, defying demonstrators who want him to leave now. Televised news reports featured protesters greeting the news with boos and shouts of "Go away!" and "Not enough!"
At the White House, Obama affirmed that it "is not the role of any other country to determine Egypt's leaders. Only the Egyptian people can do that."Obama said he believes any transition government should include "a broad spectrum of voices and opposition parties. It should lead to elections that are free and fair. And it should result in a government that is not only grounded in democratic principles, but is also responsive to the aspirations of the Egyptian people."
But with little sign as to who might fill the leadership vacuum once Mubarak leaves office, Obama addressed the uncertainty facing the Egyptian people -- and their allies around the world.
"There will be difficult days ahead," he cautioned. "Many questions about Egypt's future remain unanswered. But I am confident that the people of Egypt will find those answers."
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Yes. Mr Obama is a situation without expectation, President Mubara have to leave immediately to avoid confrontation even a greater loss of life.
Hopefully by the president to take a decision Mubara urgent.
I believe it is a desire of all peoples.
May God bless all
Lazaro
any mideast conflict cost us at the gas pumps, fact. look it up
February 02 2011 at 9:34 PM Report abuse Permalink +2 rate up rate down ReplyAt the White House, Obama affirmed that it "is not the role of any other country to determine Egypt's leaders. Only the Egyptian people can do that."
he said this, now he says that.
President Obama rejected the Egyptian leader's timetable and called for an immediate transition to a new government in advance of fall elections.
World oil prices rose to within a whisker of $100 a barrel Monday on fears that violent unrest in Egypt could disrupt the flow of oil through the Suez Canal on its way to the West,
February 02 2011 at 9:29 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down ReplyAlmost 35,000 ships transited the Suez Canal in 2009, of which about 10 percent were petroleum tankers. With only 1,000 feet at its narrowest point, the Canal is unable to handle the VLCC (Very Large Crude Carriers) and ULCC (Ultra Large Crude Carriers) class crude oil tankers. The Suez Canal Authority is continuing enhancement and enlargement projects on the canal, and extended the depth to 66 ft in 2010 to allow over 60 percent of all tankers to use the Canal.
February 02 2011 at 9:09 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyIt snows gas prices go up, it rains gas prices go up, someone sneezes gas prices go up, when do gas prices go down, supply and demand, ok less people working, cars today get better mpg, we use less gas, it cost more.
February 02 2011 at 8:58 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Replywhat a mess it is in Eygpt,,Wonder who'll be helping them rebuild
February 02 2011 at 5:30 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down Replydrill baby drill
February 02 2011 at 5:30 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down Replysuez canal choke point, oil could go up to 200 a barrel, 5.00 a gallon. what is our govement doing? nada
February 02 2011 at 5:25 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down Replyattention, attention, get ready for super high gas prices. you heard it here 1st.
February 02 2011 at 5:18 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
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