US President Barack Obama called on President Hosni Mubarak to deliver on promised reforms and recognize the basic rights of Egyptians.
Obama said he called Mubarak shortly after the Egyptian leader addressed the nation to tell him to “give meaning to those words, to take concrete steps and actions that deliver on those promises.”
He also called on Mubarak to reverse internet and phone blockages that isolated Egypt from the outside world Friday.
Obama said both the government and the people have a responsibility to refrain from violence.
He reinforced the close alliance between the two nations and defended the right of Egyptians to “determine their own destiny.”
Obama’s press conference came nearly two hours after Mubarak appeared on Egyptian State TV and announced he had asked the cabinet to resign.
