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Obama Tells Mubarak that Transition 'Must Begin Now'

   VOA News  February 01, 2011
   President  Barack  Obama  speaks  about the situation in Egypt Feb. 1,
   2011.

Photo: AP

   President  Barack  Obama  speaks  about the situation in Egypt Feb. 1,
   2011.

   U.S.  President  Barack  Obama  says  he  told  his embattled Egyptian
   counterpart  that  an  orderly  transition in the world's largest Arab
   nation "must be peaceful and must begin now."
   In  an  address on U.S. television Tuesday evening, Mr. Obama said the
   transition must lead to free and fair elections in Egypt.
   The  U.S.  president  said  he spoke to Mr. Mubarak after his recorded
   address was shown on Egyptian television.
   Mr. Obama has been meeting with his top national security advisors for
   much of the day.
   Prior  to Mr. Mubarak's announcement, the U.S. president had urged him
   not  to run for another term, effectively withdrawing American support
   for  its  closest  Arab ally. The White House said Mr. Obama's message
   was conveyed by U.S. envoy to Egypt Frank Wisner.

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