Obama Egypt Speech

US President Barack Obama will soon make a statement about the situation in Egypt. This comes soon after Egyptian dictator Hosni Mubarak made a speech in which he stated that while he will shuffle his government, he will not step down.


President Barack Obama is speaking about the situation in Egypt. He reportedly spoke to Egyptian dictator for 3o minutes today.

Obama says that the White House is monitoring the situation. His first concern is preventing "injury or loss of life." He called on Egyptian forces from refraining from using too much force. He reaffirmed Egypt's basic human rights.

Obama also called upon the Egyptian government to change their policy towards the internet and put it back on. He said that those speaking on the street "have the responsibility" to be peaceful. He said that violence will not solve their problems.

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Obama said that Egypt is a close ally but that there must be reform. "In the absence of these reforms, grievences have built up over time." He said that Mubarak has a responsibility to live up to his promises of better economy and more freedoms. "What's needed right now are concrete steps" that enables more freedom for the people of Egypt.

"The future of Egypt will be decided by the Egyptian people." Obama said that they wanted a government worthy of its history. Obama said that he will be willing to "work with" the government of Egypt, along with the population of that country.

He referenced his Cairo speech, saying that governments "must maintain power by consent, not coercion." Obama reiterated that he would work with the government of Egypt.


Earlier today White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs reiterated US support for freedom of expression in the country but did not take sides between the government and the protesters.

It is unknown what Obama will speak about specifically, but he will likely mirror the statements made by Gibbs and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Both have called for restraint but have not supported or antagonized Mubarak's government.

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