"US president Barack Obama has moved to deliver a clear message that Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak should step down now, saying the proud 'patriot' should listen to his people and make the 'right decision.'
Mr Obama did not explicitly call on Mr Mubarak to resign, but said the Arab strongman had already made the psychological leap of realising his rule was ebbing, and now should reconsider his position amid a mass uprising.
His comments came at the same time as the leaders of the European Union called on the Egyptian president to start the transition out of power now.
The US president staked out a veiled, but forceful, position as tens of thousands of demonstrators held 'departure day' protests in Cairo, and the United States sought a way to prod Mr Mubarak to the exit after 30 years in power.
Tens of thousands of people filled the streets for one of the biggest protests yet, where they chanted and called for Mr Mubarak's immediate resignation.
'I believe that president Mubarak cares about his country. He is proud, but he is also a patriot,' Mr Obama said.
'What I've suggested to him is, is that he needs to consult with those who are around him in his government.
Western tide turns against embattled Mubarak - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation):
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