President Obama addresses Egpyt unrest

Major points: Condemns violence and lauds Egypt’s military for its restraint and encourages it to continue playing a helpful role.

The US stands for universal values including freedom, democracy, and access to information and will continue to do so.

We have spoken out on the “need for change.” He spoke with Mubarak by phone, and Mubarak recognizes that a change must take place.  All political officials everywhere serve “at the pleasure of their people,” (a nice sentiment but one that isn’t true in an awful lot of places, including the police state he recently hailed with a state dinner in Washington).

Egypt’s orderly transition should include opposition voices and figures, must be meaningful and must be peaceful.  The US will not determine Egypt’s leadership.  The Egyptian people’s determination has been an inspiration to the world (more so than the protests in Iran?).

The US is committed to partnership with Egypt.  There will be difficult days ahead with lots of questions, the Egyptian people will find those answers.