WASHINGTON (AFP) - U.S. President Barack Obama said Tuesday that he had told Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, an orderly political transition, peace, should start "now" in Egypt, but he was advised not to ignore a request to resign immediately . In his first reaction to Mubarak's statement that he would hand over power after elections in September, Obama reaffirmed that the U.S. is not the right to choose the leader of Egypt.
Obama is flowing again pressure on Mubarak, a U.S. ally for 30 years, but not to endorse the demands of mass demonstrators him to leave office immediately.
"It is clear, and what I have indicated this evening to President Mubarak is my belief that an orderly transition should be meaningful, must be peace, and must begin now," Obama said, minutes after calling the Egyptian leader.
Obama also gave a signal to the young crowd in Egypt that Mubarak responded with angry statement that he would remain in office until September.
"To the Egyptian society, especially young people of Egypt, I want to explain, we hear your voice. I have a very strong belief that you will decide your own purpose," Obama said at the White House.
The U.S. leader then speaks directly aimed at the entire Egyptian army is very strong.
"I want to praise the Egyptian military because they show professionalism while protecting the people of Egypt."
"We saw the tanks covered with banners and hugged the army and demonstrators in the streets and move forward, I ask the military to continue its efforts to help ensure that change is now at peace."
