20110204
Xinhua
WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- The White House is in close talks with Egyptian officials on Egypt's power transition amid the country's current political unrest, the New York Times reported on Thursday.

According to one of the proposals, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak would hand power over to a transitional government led by his deputy Omar Suleiman, who would then begin a process of constitutional reform with the support of the military, the report said, quoting U.S. officials and Arab diplomats.

The proposal also calls for the transitional government to invite members from a broad range of opposition groups, including the Muslim Brotherhood, in preparations for the general elections in September, it said.

The White House said later it is discussing "variety of different ways" of moving toward peaceful tranisiton.

Egypt has been mired in the largest mass protests in 30 years which challenge the rule of Mubarak. The protests, still with no sign of a quick end, have left more than 100 dead and several thousand people injured, with a great impact on the normal life of citizens due to the closure of shops and disruption of rail and air services.

Mubarak said Tuesday he would not run for a new presidential term, but would only leave after restoring security and stability to Egypt.

However, U.S. President Barack Obama later said he wanted his Egyptian counterpart to "move faster on political transition."

In an exclusive interview with America's ABC television network on Thursday, Mubarak said he is "fed up" with being president and would like to leave office now.

But he said he cannot resign now for fear that the country would sink into chaos.

Related:

Mubarak says his resignation will bring chaos to Egypt

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak said on Thursday that if he resigns today, there will be chaos in Egypt.

In a 30-minute exclusive interview with ABC television network, the embattled Egyptian president said he is "fed up" with being president and would like to leave office now.

Egyptian gov't, opposition in talks to end crisis

CAIRO, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- Egypt's Vice President Omar Suleiman said the government has started dialogue with the opposition parties and representatives of protesters to end the mass protests that began on Jan. 25.

The Muslim Brotherhood has been invited to meet with the government but they are still hesitant, Suleiman said in an interview with Egyptian state TV on Thursday.

Egyptian PM apologizes for clashes: TV

CAIRO, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmed Shafik Thursday offered "apologies" over last night clashes and promised that offenders would be held accountable.

In an interview with the Egyptian State TV, Shafik said "there were indistinct groups infiltrating into the square on horses and camels".

Int'l community urges restraint, orderly transition in Egypt

BEIJING, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- World leaders have condemned the violence between pro- and anti-government protesters in Egypt and urged restraint of all sides amid protests that appeared to be escalating.

Rounds of gunshots were heard in Cairo's Tahrir Square before dawn Thursday, killing at least three people among crowds of protestors, unconfirmed reports said.