The US today asked Egypt's ruling regime to start a transition of power immediately and condemned the violence raging in Cairo where hundreds were injured in chaotic clashes today.
The US today asked Egypt's ruling regime to start a transition of power immediately and condemned the violence raging in Cairo where hundreds were injured in chaotic clashes today.
The transition of power in Egypt must begin now, the White House demanded today as the nearly 10-day pro-democracy protest turned violent.
"We have said that throughout this process, obviously, if any of the violence is instigated by the government, it should stop immediately," White House press secretary Robert Gibbs told reporters at his daily news conference.
"A transition of power must start now... The people of Egypt need to see change," he said in response to a question.
Responding to questions, Gibbs said "now" started "yesterday" when US President Barack Obama, called for immediate beginning of an orderly transition in Egypt.
However, Gibbs did not demand "resignation" of Egyptian President Hosni Mobarak, who has ruled the country for three decades now.
Observing that these are "very fluid and dynamic events," in the region, Gibbs said Obama had a "direct," "frank" and "candid" talk with Mubarak yesterday.
At the same time, he insisted that the nature and scope of change would be determined by the people of Egypt and not by the White House.
"We are watching, as people are throughout the world, what is happening today. We continue to urge restraint. I do think that the role that had been played by the military was exceedingly important in what I think many people thought might happen late last week," he said.
He said it is imperative that the violence stops and the transition begins immediately.
White House press secretary said the president and this administration strongly condemn the outrageous and deplorable violence taking place on the streets of Cairo.
"We have said that throughout this process. Obviously, if any of the violence is instigated by the government, it should stop immediately. That has been our message throughout this," he said.
State department spokesperson PJ Crowley also expressed concern over the violence earlier.
"After days of peaceful protests in Cairo and other cities in Egypt, today we see violent attacks on peaceful demonstrators and journalists.
"The United States denounces these attacks and calls on all engaged in demonstrations currently taking place in Egypt to do so peacefully," he said in a statement.
He said these attacks were not only dangerous to Egypt, they were a direct threat to the aspirations of the Egyptian people.
"The use of violence to intimidate the Egyptian people must stop. We strongly call for restraint," Crowley said.
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