20110128
reuters

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States increased pressure on Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Friday to institute reforms, urging the government to view its people as "a partner" not a threat during unprecedented protests in Cairo.

Dozens of people were wounded as police and demonstrators fought running street battles on Friday in opposition to Mubarak's three-decade rule.

Live television footage showed the ruling party headquarters on fire in Cairo and Al Jazeera television reported military vehicles entered a central square in the capital to cheers from protesters.

The U.S. State Department urged Egypt to respect its people's rights and allow them to communicate openly.

"Events unfolding in Egypt are of deep concern. Fundamental rights must be respected, violence avoided and open communications allowed," spokesman P.J. Crowley said in message posted on Twitter.

"Reform is vital to Egypt's long-term well-being. The Egyptian government should view its people as a partner and not as a threat."

U.S. leaders have steadily raised pressure on Mubarak, a key ally, in the past few days as the protests continued.

President Barack Obama on Thursday called on him to make "absolutely critical" reforms.

The White House said Obama was being briefed regularly on the events in Egypt.