US urges Egypt transition talks, condemns attacks

WASHINGTON — The United States on Thursday urged the Egyptian government to start talks "immediately" with the opposition on the handover of power, while strongly denouncing attacks on journalists and others.Secretary of State Hillary Clinton showed zero-tolerance for the assault on the media, which officials charge is an "orchestrated" effort to snuff out coverage of the anti-government unrest sweeping Egypt for the 10th day.The chief US diplomat also stepped up the pressure on Omar Suleiman, named President Hosni Mubarak's first-ever vice president last week, to follow through on promises of change.Her remarks were more pointed than those White House spokesman Robert Gibbs gave earlier, when he reiterated US calls on Mubarak to start a transition of power "now.""Vice President Suleiman spoke today about the need for free and fair presidential elections. That is essential," Clinton said during an appearance at the State Department."And I urge the government and a broad and credible representation of Egypt's opposition, civil society and political factions to begin immediately serious negotiations on a peaceful and orderly transition," she said."The Egyptian people expect a meaningful process that yields concrete changes," she said.Mubarak appeared to be digging his heels in after defying more than a week of massive protests calling for his immediate ouster, although he did concede on Tuesday that he would not run for re-election in September.The Egyptian leader said in an interview on Thursday that he would like to step aside, but he feared the country would be engulfed in chaos.Echoing a wave of international concern over worsening violence, Clinton "condemned in the strongest terms" attacks on reporters covering the unrest, peaceful protesters, human rights activists, and foreigners."There is a clear responsibility by the Egyptian government, including the army, to protect those threatened and hold accountable those responsible for these attacks," she said."The Egyptian government must demonstrate its

Add comment

Nick
Content

Submit