(AhlulBayt News Agency) - Obama spoke to Mubarak for a half hour by telephone after the long-time U.S. ally announced plans to step down in September and not seek re-election in the face of mass protests in Egyptian cities.
Obama said that "What is clear and what I indicated tonight to President Mubarak is my belief that an orderly transition must be meaningful, it must be peaceful and it must begin now."
A senior administration official said Obama's conversation with Mubarak was frank and direct, adding "Obama explained to Mubarak that an orderly transition can't be prolonged, it must begin now."
Obama's comments suggest Washington believes Mubarak might have to transition out of power sooner, rather than later.
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