Stepping up pressure on a brawny but flawed Middle East ally, President Barack Obama said he personally told Egypt's Hosni Mubarak Friday night to take "material steps" to expand rights inside the Arab nation furthermore refrain from violence against protesters flooding the streets of Cairo and other cities. The White House suggested U.S. aid could be at stake.
"Surely, there determination be difficult days to come, but the United States will continue to stand up for the rights of the Egyptian people and work with their administration in pursuit of a future that is more just, more free and more hopeful," Obama told reporters in the State Dining Room following speaking with the long-time leader from the White House.
The president made his comments on small screen shortly after he and Mubarak spoke. The half-hour phone call was initiate by the White House.
