White House Calls for Change in Egypt
VOA News January 31, 2011
As world leaders closely watch the turmoil in Egypt, the White House has called for "a change in the way the country works" but stopped short of saying that its president must step down.
White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Monday the U.S. advocates an "orderly transition" in Egypt. But he refused to say whether this would require the removal of President Hosni Mubarak.
Gibbs said Washington wants "meaningful negotiations" among all groups in Egypt and repeated the Obama administration's call for free and fair elections there. He added that the United States would not determine or dictate when or how change happens in Egypt.
Earlier Monday, the European Union's top diplomat urged Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to respond to the complaints of anti-government protesters and hold talks with the opposition.
Catherine Ashton said before a meeting with EU foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday that Mr. Mubarak should answer "the legitimate grievances of the Egyptian people." She called for a immediate, "peaceful way forward" based on a dialogue with all parts of civil society.
Ashton's spokeswoman, Maya Kocijancic, said the situation in Egypt would be a priority at Monday's meeting.
Meanwhile, in Jerusalem, Middle East envoy Tony Blair said the will of the people should be expressed in "proper elections" under an atmosphere of stability.
The foreign minister of nearby Cyprus, Markos Kyprianou, says he is confident that the Egyptian president will press ahead with reforms.
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