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Obama says transition in Egypt ’must begin now’

02 February 2011 01:05 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. Egypt’s transition to democracy and toward free and fair elections "must begin now," US President Barack Obama said Tuesday after longtime Egyptian ruler Hosny Mubarak announced his intention to step aside, APA reports quoting Earth Times.

"My belief is that an orderly transition must be meaningful, must be peaceful, and it must begin now," Obama said.

Obama’s remarks came shortly after Mubarak said he would not seek re-election when his term expires in September, ending his 30 years of authoritarian rule.

Obama spoke with Mubarak after the announcement and said the Egyptian ruler and close US ally "recognized that the status quo is not sustainable, and that a change must take place."

Obama emphasized the United States stands behind the Egyptian people’s aspirations for the rights to chose its leaders and freely express their political beliefs.

"The United States will continue to stand up for democracy and the universal rights that all human beings deserve," Obama said.