US President Barack Obama says his administration has been in close contact with President Mubarak, and he understands the need for change.
'It is not the role of any other country to determine Egypt's rulers', he said, but 'an orderly transition must be meaningful, peaceful, 'and it must begin now.'
Obama applauded the Egyptian military's actions and urged the military to continue its efforts to make sure the time of change was peaceful.
Obama said the US will support the Egyptian people in their right to freedom of assembly, speech, and access to information.
Obama said he spoke to President Mubarak after his speech on Tuesday night local time, and that Mubarak recognises 'a change must take place.'
He said elections must be free and fair, resulting in a government which reflects the aspirations of the Egyptian people, adding he add an 'unyielding belief' that Egyptians will determine their own leader.
Egypt is the second biggest recipient of US aid after Israel.
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