Reacting to events in Egypt, President Obama says "we are witnessing history unfold."
Declaring that he would have more to say at another time, Obama said America will do all it can "to support an orderly transition to democracy."
Here are Obama's full remarks: "We are following today’s events in Egypt very closely. And we’ll have more to say as this plays out, but what is absolutely clear is that we are witnessing history unfold. The moment of transformation that’s taking place because the people of Egypt are calling for change. And they’ve turned out in extraordinary numbers, representing all ages and all walks of life, but its young people who have been at the forefront. A new generation. Your generation, who want their voices to be heard. So going forward, we want those young people to know, and we want all Egyptians to know Americans will continue do everything that we can to support an orderly and genuine transition to democracy in Egypt."
The president made his remarks at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan.
The president's remarks come after a tumultuous day in Egypt with widespread reports that Hosni Mubarak will address the nation and announce an end to his 30-year-reign as president. It's not entirely clear what will happen then although signs pointed to the military taking control. Earlier in the day the leadership of the military issued a statement declaring it would do what was necessary “to maintain the homeland and the achievements and the aspirations of the great people of Egypt.”
The uncertainty was underscored by Obama himself earlier in the day. “We're going to have to wait and see what's going on," Obama told reporters before his speech.
Obama watched the events unfold while he was flying to Michigan aboard Air Force One. According to White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs: "I am watching much of what you’re watching. We’re watching I think a very fluid situation. What we’re looking for and what the president spoke about many days ago remains our priority: an orderly transition to a free and fair election. What we’re looking for remains unchanged.”
It was not entirely clear if Mubarak would be speaking to the nation live or via tape.
Get the latest news and analysis delivered to your inbox. Sign up for National Journal's morning alert, Wake-Up Call, and afternoon newsletter, The Edge. Subscribe here.
Leave A Comment