Obama says U.S. opposes violence in Egypt
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U.S. President Barack Obama said on Friday that attacks on protesters and reporters in Egypt are unacceptable, and the country's transition process should begin immediately.
"This is obviously still a fluid situation, and we're monitoring it closely," Obama said at a joint press conference with visiting Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. "We continue to be crystal clear that we oppose violence as a response to this crisis."
"Attacks on reporters are unacceptable," he said. "Attacks on human rights activists are unacceptable. Attacks on peaceful protesters are unacceptable."
As many as 5,000 people were wounded in 11 days of demonstration to force President Hosni Mubarak to immediately end his 30-year rule, Egyptian Health Minister Ahmed Sameh Farid told State TV on Friday.
Obama said the transition of power "must begin right now," and should include all parties. But he stressed that the details of the process should be decided by Egyptians.
"The future of Egypt will be determined by its people," he said. "I am confident the Egyptian people can shape the future they deserve."
Obama said he had had two conversations with President Mubarak, and each time he had emphasized the fact that "the future of Egypt is going to be in the hands of Egyptians."
He declined to answer whether he believes Mubarak should step down immediately, but said "he needs to listen to what's being voiced by the Egyptian people and ... make a judgment."
Mubarak said Tuesday he would not run for a new presidential term, but would only leave after restoring security and stability to Egypt.
In an exclusive interview with America's ABC television network on Thursday, Mubarak said he is "fed up" with being president and would like to leave office now. But he said he cannot resign now for fear that the country would sink into chaos.
