Obama Praises Mubarak Stepping Down, Assures US Remains Friend, Partner to Egypt

Local Editor

President Barack Obama declared Friday the peaceful departure of Husni Mubarak as Egypt's president marked "a beginning" holding the promise of greater democracy for the world's most populous Arab nation. But he added soberly, "There will be difficult days ahead."

Indeed, while Obama and other U.S. officials voiced optimism, they were also concerned over who will end up in control of the Egypt and whether the United States will emerge with the kind of stable partner it badly needs in the volatile Middle East.

"By stepping down, President Mubarak responded to the Egyptian people's hunger for change," Obama said. The US President also added he was confident that a democratic Egypt could assert its role as an influential player in the Mideast and beyond, and assured he was confident the Egyptian people will find the answers to all the questions." Obama also stressed that the United States will remain to be a friend and partner to Egypt and is ready to provide any help that assures a transitory phase.