Obama calls for credible transition in Egypt

Lalit K Jha

Washington, Feb 11 (PTI) Welcoming the resignation ofHosni Mubarak as the president of Egypt, US President BarackObama today asked for an irreversible and credible process oftransition of power in this country which has witnessedmassive pro-democracy protests for more than two weeks now.

"There are very few moments in our lives where we havethe privilege of witnessing history taking place. This is oneof those moments. This is one of those times," Obama said inhis remarks to the press.

Obama said that the Egyptian military must ensurecredible transition of power.

"The people of Egypt have spoken, their voices havebeen heard, and Egypt will never be the same," Obama said.

"By stepping down, President Mubarak responded to theEgyptian people''s hunger for change. But this is not the endof Egypt''s transition. It''s a beginning.

I''m sure there will be difficult days ahead, and manyquestions remain unanswered," said the US President.

Obama''s remarks were delayed by about 100 minutesbecause was in the White House Situation Room meeting with hisnational security team.

Earlier he dropped by a previously schedulePrincipals Committee meeting convened by National SecurityAdvisor Tom Donilon to discuss current developments in Egypt.