US pushing Mubarak to quit now

The United States is reportedly pushing Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to quit right away. -- PHOTO: AFP

WASHINGTON - THE United States urged the Egyptian government late Thursday to begin transition talks 'immediately' and was reportedly pushing for President Hosni Mubarak to quit right away.

The New York Times reported that President Barack Obama's administration was discussing with Egyptian officials a plan for Mubarak to turn power over now to a transitional government headed by Vice-President Omar Suleiman.

The report, which cited officials in Obama's administration and Arab diplomats, said the United States was seeking backing from the Egyptian military even though Mubarak himself was against at the idea.

Officials from both governments are holding talks about the plan in which Suleiman, backed by Egyptian armed forces, would immediately begin a process of constitutional reform, it said.

The Times said the proposal calls for the transitional government to invite members from a broad range of opposition groups, including the banned Muslim Brotherhood, to start a process to hold free and fair elections in September.

The White House sought to play down the notion there was one unique plan under consideration but did not issue an out-and-out denial of the Times report. -- AFP