The President:
Good evening, everybody.
Over the past few days, the
American people have watched the
situation unfolding in Egypt.
We've seen enormous
demonstrations by the Egyptian people.
We've borne witness to the
beginning of a new chapter in
the history of a great country,
and a long-time partner of the
United States.
And my administration has been
in close contact with our
Egyptian counterparts and a
broad range of the Egyptian
people, as well as others across
the region and across the globe.
And throughout this period,
we've stood for a set of core principles.
First, we oppose violence.
And I want to commend the
Egyptian military for the
professionalism and patriotism
that it has shown thus far in
allowing peaceful protests while
protecting the Egyptian people.
We've seen tanks
covered with banners,
and soldiers and protesters
embracing in the streets.
And going forward, I urge the
military to continue its efforts
to help ensure that this
time of change is peaceful.
Second, we stand for
universal values,
including the rights of the
Egyptian people to freedom of
assembly, freedom of speech,
and the freedom to access information.
Once more, we've seen the
incredible potential for
technology to empower citizens
and the dignity of those who
stand up for a better future.
And going forward, the United
States will continue to stand up
for democracy and the universal
rights that all human beings
deserve, in Egypt
and around the world.
Third, we have spoken out on
behalf of the need for change.
After his speech tonight, I
spoke directly to President Mubarak.
He recognizes that the status
quo is not sustainable and that
a change must take place.
Indeed, all of us who are
privileged to serve in positions
of political power do so
at the will of our people.
Through thousands of years,
Egypt has known many moments
of transformation.
The voices of the Egyptian
people tell us that this is one
of those moments; this
is one of those times.
Now, it is not the role of any
other country to determine
Egypt's leaders.
Only the Egyptian
people can do 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.
Furthermore, the process must
include a broad spectrum of
Egyptian voices and
opposition parties.
It should lead to elections
that are free and fair.
And it should result in a
government that's not only
grounded in democratic
principles,
but is also responsive to the
aspirations of the Egyptian people.
Throughout this process, the
United States will continue to
extend the hand of partnership
and friendship to Egypt.
And we stand ready to provide
any assistance that is necessary
to help the Egyptian people as
they manage the aftermath of
these protests.
Over the last few days, the
passion and the dignity that has
been demonstrated by the people
of Egypt has been an inspiration
to people around the world,
including here in the
United States, and to all those
who believe in the inevitability
of human freedom.
To the people of Egypt,
particularly the young people of
Egypt, I want to be clear:
We hear your voices.
I have an unyielding belief that
you will determine your own
destiny and seize the promise
of a better future for your
children and your grandchildren.
And I say that as someone who
is committed to a partnership
between the United
States and Egypt.
There will be
difficult days ahead.
Many questions about Egypt's
future remain unanswered.
But I am confident that the
people of Egypt will find those answers.
That truth can be seen in the
sense of community in the streets.
It can be seen in the mothers
and fathers embracing soldiers.
And it can be seen in the
Egyptians who linked arms to
protect the national museum --
a new generation protecting the
treasures of antiquity; a human
chain connecting a great and
ancient civilization to
the promise of a new day.
Thank you very much.