Obama Responds to Mubarak: Egyptian Gov’t Must Clarify ‘Immediate’ Transition of Power

The following statement was released from the White House Thursday evening, in response to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak’s announcement that he will remain in office with a number of executive powers relegated to his vice president, Omar Suleiman:

The Egyptian people have been told that there was a transition of authority, but it is not yet clear that this transition is immediate, meaningful or sufficient. Too many Egyptians remain unconvinced that the government is serious about a genuine transition to democracy, and it is the responsibility of the government to speak clearly to the Egyptian people and the world. The Egyptian government must put forward a credible, concrete and unequivocal path toward genuine democracy, and they have not yet seized that opportunity.

As we have said from the beginning of this unrest, the future of Egypt will be determined by the Egyptian people. But the United States has also been clear that we stand for a set of core principles. We believe that the universal rights of the Egyptian people must be respected, and their aspirations must be met. We believe that this transition must immediately demonstrate irreversible political change, and a negotiated path to democracy. To that end, we believe that the emergency law should be lifted. We believe that meaningful negotiations with the broad opposition and Egyptian civil society should address the key questions confronting Egypt’s future: protecting the fundamental rights of all citizens; revising the Constitution and other laws to demonstrate irreversible change; and jointly developing a clear roadmap to elections that are free and fair.

We therefore urge the Egyptian government to move swiftly to explain the changes that have been made, and to spell out in clear and unambiguous language the step by step process that will lead to democracy and the representative government that the Egyptian people seek. Going forward, it will be essential that the universal rights of the Egyptian people be respected. There must be restraint by all parties. Violence must be forsaken. It is imperative that the government not respond to the aspirations of their people with repression or brutality. The voices of the Egyptian people must be heard.

The Egyptian people have made it clear that there is no going back to the way things were: Egypt has changed, and its future is in the hands of the people. Those who have exercised their right to peaceful assembly represent the greatness of the Egyptian people, and are broadly representative of Egyptian society. We have seen young and old, rich and poor, Muslim and Christian join together, and earn the respect of the world through their non-violent calls for change. In that effort, young people have been at the forefront, and a new generation has emerged. They have made it clear that Egypt must reflect their hopes, fulfill their highest aspirations, and tap their boundless potential. In these difficult times, I know that the Egyptian people will persevere, and they must know that they will continue to have a friend in the United States of America.

Comments (117)

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  • MadBrad
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 8:51pm

    The President of the United States has once again slipped into street agitator mode, attempting to become the voice of an uprising orchestrated by Communists and Radical Islamists. I never thought I would live to see a day like this.

    Report Post » MadBrad  
  • jinx83
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 8:51pm

    epic fail.

    Report Post »  
  • kryptonite
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 8:47pm

    The only change I have noticed since Betsy came on board is censorship. Is that a coincidence, or am I connecting the dots???

    Report Post »  
    • broker0101
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 8:54pm

      You mean you don‘t have the Right to post anything you want on someone else’s privately owned website????? Scandalous!!!! I say sue Mercury Radio Arts immediately for infringing on your First Amendment Rights. Fool.

      Report Post » broker0101  
    • VintageAmerican
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 9:59pm

      Whaaa, such a scoling from the Broker. Broke Back Troll has struck again!

      Report Post » VintageAmerican  
    • VintageAmerican
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 10:01pm

      Seems ‘Ignorance’ has been redistributed to the Broker 101, just sayin’.

      Report Post » VintageAmerican  
    • jinx83
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 9:08pm

      connecting.

      Report Post »  
  • mcpbob
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 8:44pm

    must clarify immediate? or you serious??? why don’t you talk to Iran like that on their Nuke program Mr. Obama? why don’t you have that tone with N. Korea Mr. Obama? ….. i can go on and on why is it that you lay your demands so heavily at the feet of Mubarak who has not made threats to our interests? don’t you think you should pick your fights better Mr. President?

    Report Post » mcpbob  
    • Showtime
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 9:05pm

      Excellent observation!

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • walkwithme1966
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 9:11pm

      I will tell you why he can’t – each country and each crisis has to be handled differently. Our government and our diplomacy can not be a cookie cutter version that is the same for every country and every crisis. Every country in the Middle East is watching how Obama handles this so he is walking a very thin line. But then no one on this website supports the President so I am sure you will not agree with me or show any understanding. http://wp.me/pYLB7-Bb

      Report Post » walkwithme1966  
    • eyestoseeearstohear
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 9:30pm

      BECAUSE the Muslim Brotherhood are HIS people!

      Report Post »  
  • randy
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 8:43pm

    Sit down and SHUT UP Obama!
    Isn’t it obvious to you yet? No one cares about what you have to say!

    Report Post » randy  
  • Ella
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 8:42pm

    If it wasn’t so serious it would be quite humurous. It sounds like Barak insane obama is very agitated himself, mouthing off and demanding that the people of Egypt get Democracy. the poeple of Egypt have spoken, he says. So now tell me who is going to shepherd this transition to what BHO thinks is Democracy. What a laugh. BHO is a Marxist. I doubt he would know what democracy was if it hit him in the head. I am telling you BHO had a deal with the Moslem brotherhood that he would help set this up so they could be the steady force that steps in after Mubarik is ousted. The people of Egypt will find out that this terrorist Shariah loving bunch will make Hosni look like an angel.

    Report Post »  
  • kryptonite
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 8:41pm

    You said it for me, Neverending. Hope your comment is not deleted. A whole lot of censoring goin’ on The Blaze lately.

    Report Post »  
    • saviorammo
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 9:27pm

      Noticed that as well. Could lead to The Blaze going down in flames. Have gone from enthused to very dissapointed in a short time. Doesn’t anyone understand freedom and liberty? & What keeps them form eroding?

      The truth shall set you free!

      Damn all those who would wish to control expression and discourse. Knowmatter how offensive it might be. We have the right to offend and it’s endowed by God!

      Blaze God will probably delete this.

      Report Post »  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on February 11, 2011 at 1:36am

      @Saviorammo
      Ironic, isn’t it? Maybe Glenn doesn’t know. I wasn’t joking when I said the Wite-Out craze started right about the time Betsy was hired…

      Report Post »  
  • cheezwhiz
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 8:41pm

    @ kryptonite
    For those who take stuff seriously only if its narrated in a British accent :
    http://newzeal.blogspot.com/2011/02/on-khalifah-caliphate.html
    2 vids which might actually prove how cluless and purposefully ignorant the MFMedia and this administration is.
    And Beck is not only right but ahead of the curve .

    Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on February 11, 2011 at 1:20am

      Thanks. Will watch tomorrow. Right now I feel like Bo, the first time the Walking Rectum came within sniffing distance.

      Report Post »  
  • ConservativeFeminist
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 8:39pm

    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
    Obama purposely ignores the will of the majority of Americans who want to repeal Obamacare, so this statement, regarding Egypt, sounds hollow and self-serving.
    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    Report Post » ConservativeFeminist  
    • Ella
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 8:57pm

      very astute observation. Do as I say, not as I do. What‘s good for Egyptian people isn’t good for the american majority.Obama is so blindsighted. He‘s going to trip himself up so badly that even the LSM won’t be able to lie him out of it.

      Report Post »  
  • victorincalifornia
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 8:39pm

    He sounds like he should be on a podium addressing the protestors, this is beneath a diplomat or ambassador let alone the president, he’s a cartoon character, can’t identify which one, daffy duck maybe

    Report Post »  
  • HippoNips
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 8:37pm

    Someone tell Obama to shut up, He‘s clearly doesn’t even have the facts.He’s just going by what the news people are claiming . The same ones that claimed Gabby Gifford was dead . They can not be trusted in getting the facts right

    Report Post »  
    • republitarian
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 9:37pm

      Really. Shut up, already. He‘s as uninformed as the rest of us yet trying to look like he’s on top of things. Pathetic.

      Report Post » republitarian  
  • Showtime
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 8:37pm

    It would tickle the dog crap out of me if Mubarak would come back at Obama with, “You LIE!!!” Why not? No one here in the States believes anything Obama has to say. And, the same goes for Napolitanop, Clapper, etc., etc.

    What does bother me is that Obama has said the words “change” and “transition” in the same sentence when talking about the demonstrations in Egypt. They were talking about that on Fox News today.

    Report Post » Showtime  
    • DashRipRock
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 9:03pm

      I wish Mubarak would come foward with Obama’s Kenyian birth certificate

      Report Post »  
    • jinx83
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 9:12pm

      no what bothers me is universal.
      We believe that the universal rights of the Egyptian people must be respected, and their aspirations must be met.
      it will be essential that the universal rights of the Egyptian people be respected.

      *hope this is html able!*

      Report Post »  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on February 11, 2011 at 1:24am

      DashRipRock,
      I was thinking Assange, but your idea is pure genius. Does Mubarak twitter?!

      Report Post »  
  • victorincalifornia
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 8:34pm

    He is a puppet, has no mind of his own except dislike or hatred of his own country and I’ll include Israel, Thank God our allies know there’s an election coming up in 12

    Report Post »  
  • shorthanded12
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 8:34pm

    When Barry speaks “NO BODY LISTENS” Barry Barry dont feel blue Your health Care bill will be a failure too. Unlike your foriegn affairs policies…Everbody knows Barrys rooting for that peaceful Muslim Brotherhood. Wonder if the American people would protest in the streets for 17 days straight if Barry might get the hint and HAUL A$$…just sayin…………….

    Report Post »  
  • parmajohn
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 8:32pm

    I heard the dictator speak on Fox He made it clear that other countries mind their own business Was pretty clear on that….But good ‘Ole P-Bo has to get involved just like He did with Iran OOPS I bet He Thought we Forgot about that one Shine up that Nobel Peace Prize Its all about you and your Puppet Masters

    Report Post »  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 9:12pm

      I imagine Obama will soon be given another Nobel Peace Prize, this time for the destruction of the middle east. Why not, he got one for the simple fact of being elected as President in 2008.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 9:54pm

      Snow.
      This time I think he is up for the Nobel Prize in Mathmatics. He is saving X number of jobs, reducing the deficit by increasing spending, and decreasing the number of our allies. Magical math. It almost defies physics, which will be next years Nobel Prize.

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
  • victorincalifornia
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 8:32pm

    Wow, would have been nice to hear this during the uprising in Iran, there‘s consequences to regime change and I’d like to hear what their strategy is, I think they know the affect of a muslim brotherhood influence even if they dismiss them as benevolent force for good. This is unbeleivable, he just sided with the protestors, there’s no excuse. I’m dumbfounded and I think this exposes him more and more.

    Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 11:43pm

      Not surprising … if people had done their “homework” and not just voted the hopey changy feely way.

      http://www.americanthinker.com/2010/05/obama_stands_with_muslims_as_h.html

      Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 11:46pm

      “[T]he stories of detentions and FBI questioning and hard stares from neighbors have shaken their [Arab- and Pakistani-Americans'] sense of security and belonging. They have been reminded that the history of immigration in this country has a dark underbelly; they need specific assurances that their citizenship really means something, that America has learned the right lessons from the Japanese internments during World War II, and that I will stand with them should the political winds shift in an ugly direction. [Emphasis mine.]
      – Barack Obama, The Audacity of Hope, p. 261″

      Link above.

      Report Post »  
  • BMartin1776
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 8:31pm

    I agree BHO needs to stay out of it at this point. His words are meaningless to an individual who pretty much said to the world, but IMO directly to BHO, Im not going to listen to anyone or do what anyone tells me to do.

    BHO sat idly by when the Iranian ppl were rising up now he is Mr Get Involved! TOO LATE Barry! Now sit down, shut up and lets see how this plays out b/c a bigger mess is coming you dolt. Better yet go take some courses on foreign relations or get someone who isnt tied to some radical belief to handle foreign affairs in the middle east because you cant handle neither can Clinton as that entire area is probably going to become a killing zone.

    http://www.savingtherepublic.com

    Report Post » BMartin1776  
  • kryptonite
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 8:30pm

    (REPOSTING) OBAMA, THE MUSLIM-BORN COMMIE WHO WILL NEVER FIGHT JIHAD:

    In 1982, MB adopted a 14-page strategic plan known as “The Global Project for Palestine,” which outlined a 12-point strategy to “establish an Islamic government on earth.” Departing from standard Islamist rhetoric (i.e., “Death to America! Death to Israel!”), this Project represented a flexible, multi-phased, long-term plan for a “cultural invasion” of the West. Calling for the utilization of multiple tactics — including immigration, infiltration, surveillance, propaganda, protest, deception, political legitimacy, and outright terrorism — the Project has served, since its drafting, as the Muslim Brotherhood “master plan.” For details about this Project [go to website].

    In May 1991, MB issued to its ideological allies an explanatory memorandum on “the General Strategic Goal for the Group in North America.” Asserting that the Brotherhood’s mission was to establish “an effective and … stable Islamic Movement” on the continent, this document outlined a “Civilization-Jihadist Process” for achieving that objective. It stated that Muslims “must understand that their work in America is a kind of grand Jihad in eliminating and destroying the Western civilization from within and ‘sabotaging’ its miserable house by their hands … so that … God’s religion [Islam] is made victorious over all other religions.” Through stealth jihad, the Brotherhood would seek to impose Islamic values and customs on the West in piecemeal fashion — gradually, incrementally gaining ever-greater influence over the culture. The memorandum listed some 29 likeminded “organizations of our friends” which sought to realize the same goal. These included:

    •Islamic Society of North America (ISNA)
    •ISNA Fiqh Committee (now known as the Fiqh Council of North America)
    •ISNA Political Awareness Committee
    •Muslim Youth of North America
    •Muslim Students Association of the U.S. and Canada
    •Association of Muslim Scientists and Engineers
    •Islamic Medical Association (of North America)
    •Islamic Teaching Center
    •Malaysian Islamic Study Group
    •Foundation for International Development
    •North American Islamic Trust
    •Islamic Centers Division
    •American Trust Publications
    •Audio-Visual Center
    •Islamic Book Service
    •Islamic Circle of North America
    •Muslim Arab Youth Association
    •Islamic Association for Palestine
    •United Association for Studies and Research
    •International Institute of Islamic Thought
    •Muslim Communities Association
    •Association of Muslim Social Scientists (of North America)

    Report Post »  
  • Laus Deo
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 8:28pm

    Lord, I pray that we will have a new president in 22 months.

    Report Post » Laus Deo  
  • Stuck_in_CA
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 8:28pm

    Hey BO. Butt out! Your lack of gravitas is showing. What an embarrassment!

    Report Post » Stuck_in_CA  
  • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 8:26pm

    Just make sure you wash them down with lots of coffee, cream, double sugar.

    Duncan Donuts rock.

    Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
  • cheezwhiz
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 8:25pm

    Barack Ovomit needs to SHUT THE HELL UP and STOP INTERFERING IN EGYPT
    —————-
    Whats he gonna do ?
    Call back all his supporters and bundlers from Cairo ?
    Its kindda late for that

    Report Post » cheezwhiz  
  • STUBBYK
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 8:23pm

    As Iran went under Carter, Egypt goes under Obama.

    Report Post »  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 9:10pm

      The difference being in this case is that the Iranians under Carter laid the foundation for the movement today of Egypt and the rest of the middle east to go up in flames under Obama.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • CatB
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 10:05pm

      Don’t forget Carter also bargained away the Suez Canal to Egypt … now that was a good idea … wasn’t it?

      Report Post »  
    • CountMeIn
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 10:31pm

      Kind of makes you think that Carter’s Iran situation was perhaps what he had intended. Like giving away the Panama Canal, another attempt to diminish american power. Obama is definitely following in Jimmy’s footsteps.

      Report Post »  
  • Islesfordian
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 8:22pm

    Give obama this: he’s consistent in his foreign policy, if “consistent” means consistently making America look both obtuse and incompetent. Mr. Bean would make better foreign policy than this willfully ignorant neophyte.

    Report Post » Islesfordian  
    • EddardStark
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 10:32pm

      What is to be done Islesfordian? It is easy to sit back and call the administration idiotic, but what should be done? The administration has been consistently hedging. As evidenced by their inaccurate prediction of Mubarak’s statement today, that they have no idea what is going to happen nor can they effectively exert influence. The biggest thing that this crisis has demonstrated is that the US simply cannot project its power as it once could. The American impotence Pandora is out of the box and it is not going back anytime soon. The administration is simply pushing for a peaceful resolution in order to hopefully maintain a relationship with what is left in Egypt afterward.

      But, that is not the only course available. Therefore I put it to you: What is to be done?

      Report Post » EddardStark  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on February 11, 2011 at 1:16am

      EddardStark
      “The biggest thing that this crisis has demonstrated is that the US simply cannot project its power as it once could.”
      ————
      I’m impressed. Liberal but thoughtful post, nonetheless. Here’s the thing. Our ability to influence depends on who is at the helm. That is why very few men are qualified to preside over any country, let alone ours. If you’ll recall, Carter’s handling of Iran was also a debacle.

      “What is to be done?”
      —
      Nothing, really. Alea iacta est (the die has been cast).

      Report Post »  
  • cheezwhiz
    Posted on February 10, 2011 at 8:22pm

    The Egyptian people have been told that there was a transition of authority, but it is not yet clear that this transition is immediate, meaningful or sufficient. Too many Egyptians remain unconvinced that the government is serious about a genuine transition to democracy, and it is the responsibility of the government to speak clearly to the Egyptian people and the world. The Egyptian government must put forward a credible, concrete and unequivocal path toward genuine democracy, and they have not yet seized that opportunity.
    ———–
    What Obama really means :

    I was told that Mubarek will be gone pronto . But he is still around
    I’m not convinced that Mubarek will be thrown out and it is the responsibility of the Egyptian government to do something about this Mubarak and gimme my victory in Egypt
    The revolution is right within my reach and you Egyptians need to kick some butt, now now now now go go go go go …. ….dammit I’m tired of waiting

    Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 8:52pm

      The only change I have noticed since Betsy came on board is censorship. Is that a coincidence, or am I connecting the dots???

      Aren’t you overdoing it, Jessup? This whole thread is being deleted.

      Report Post »  
    • 8jrts
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 8:56pm

      Cheez
      You forgot to add to “dammit I’m tired of waiting” and Moochelle is all over my @ss, she wants her place as queen of da’nile”

      Report Post » 8jrts  
    • DashRipRock
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 8:59pm

      Krypto

      Half the stuff I post ends up deleeted

      Thats why I keep asking if there is an Adult version of Blaze

      Report Post »  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 9:03pm

      @Cheezwhiz

      Dead on the money for translating what Obama has declared; I still expect him to try claiming any and all credits his deluded mind can come up with for what goes on over in Egypt. Mubarak has been clear in telling the outside world to stay out of his way, and this situation in Egypt is one that I feel we need to strongly consider just staying out of the way of, save for encouraging a peaceful, (not very likely to occur), transition of power based on the constitution of Egypt.

      Mubaraks time in office is almost assuradly done, yet the main concern for now will be who comes to power next. If events move too fast, then the fanatics and extremists will dominate.

      Heaven help us then, especially if the canal becomes unusable.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 9:36pm

      What I meant to say is transition your power to me. BHO.

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • ANTISOCIAL-IST
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 9:52pm

      hey obeyme: immediate transition of power means gtfo now. and we’re talking about you. what part of gtfo don’t you understand?

      Report Post » ANTISOCIAL-IST  
    • SpankDaMonkey
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 10:02pm

      .
      You just know the Muslim in Obama wants to Throw a Rock at old Hosni long about right now…….

      Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
    • CatB
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 10:09pm

      “I will not take advise coming from outside the country” .Mubarak. .

      Is Obama just dense or stupid or a combination?.. I certainly don’t think he has ANY diplomatic skills!

      Report Post »  
    • Xcori8r
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 10:16pm

      Does he have a clue “whose ass to kick” for the continuing intelligence failures?

      You gotta’ know that the problem – all the starry eyed libs he surrounds himself with feed him bum gouge. I don’t think he has a prayer if digging himself out of the hole.

      The only problem is how many of us are going down with him.

      Report Post » Xcori8r  
    • TAXLORDCOMETH
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 10:21pm

      Obama is repeatedly interfering in this situation — all the while saying we shouldn’t interfere. When the Zimbabwe people have tried to get rid of Mugabe and protested a rigged vote — we didn’t hear a peep out of Barry. Folks, my bs meter is off the charts. Obama wants Mubarak out now — there is some sort of timetable in play here. What is the real agenda? Glenn was talking about this today.

      Report Post »  
    • Cemoto78
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 10:28pm

      Hillary is loving this stuff, everyone is focused on Obama’s poor performance and lack of ability they have forgotten all about her and her total failure as a secretary of state.

      Report Post » Cemoto78  
    • davecoolworld
      Posted on February 10, 2011 at 11:48pm

      Egypt‘s theatrics are actually a test run for Obama’s final push to becoming a dictator here. The ENTIRE scenario is contrived. It WAS supposed to be the template for what to do here. It isn’t working the way it was planned, so Obama is getting impatient. Trouble is, he’s weak. The bigger trouble is, his handlers are seeing that he is weak and has lost his alleged mojo. The biggest trouble for all of us is the WORLD sees the USA as weak. Haha.
      Note to world….don’t test the USA….it would be a bad idea….mmk?

      West/Christe 2012

      Report Post » davecoolworld  
    • Cobra Blue
      Posted on February 11, 2011 at 12:46am

      Hey Obama…the Egyptian president doesn’t have to give a time line or an update regarding what he decides to do. Just sit down and shut up. You know not of what you speak man child.

      Report Post »  
    • avenger
      Posted on February 11, 2011 at 6:04am

      hahahaha…Mubarak is a pro in his business and is laughing at our boy marxist…I am waiting for Mubarak to implement the Pinochet/Chile solution in Egypt…..

      Report Post »  
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