WASHINGTON – US President Barack Obama said on Thursday Washington would support an “orderly and genuine” transition to democracy in Egypt, a key ally in the Middle East, after reports that President Hosni Mubarak may step down imminently after weeks of protests.
The Obama administration has tried to walk a fine line during the evolving crisis in Egypt, the most populous Arab country. Egypt’s powerful military gets about $1.3 billion a year in aid from Washington. “What is absolutely clear is that we are witnessing history unfold. It’s a moment of transformation that’s taking place because the people of Egypt are calling for change,” Obama said during a visit to Michigan.
“And so going forward, we want those young people and we want all Egyptians to know America will continue to do everything that we can to support an orderly and genuine transition to democracy in Egypt.”
