World News Today: Obama: Egypt is making 'progress'

Monday, February 7, 2011

Obama: Egypt is making 'progress'

President Barack Obama walking outside the US Chamber of Commerce

Mr Obama spoke about Egypt after giving a speech at the US Chamber of Commerce

US President Barack Obama has said he believes there was progress in Egypt, one day after Egyptian Vice President Omar Suleiman met with oppositions groups in the country.

"Obviously, Egypt has to negotiate a path and they're making progress," he said after a speech at the US Chamber of Commerce.

Meanwhile, Egyptian demonstrators vowed to continue their campaign in Cairo.

Cairo's Tahrir Square is still being occupied by protesters.

The BBC's North America editor Mark Mardell says the Obama administration is still watching to see if the Egyptian Government is serious about change.

On Sunday, Mr Suleiman, a potential successor to President Hosni Mubarak, invited several opposition groups to a panel on democratic reform in an effort to soften the anti-government revolt.

The groups have repeatedly called for Mr Mubarak to stand down or hand over his powers to Mr Suleiman.

But Mr Mubarak has refused calls to end his 30-year presidency before elections in September, saying his resignation could cause chaos.

Protestors have said they would only reitre their efforts when the 80-year-old leader resigns.

The Obama administration has previously said efforts to force Mr Mubarak's resignation could force elections before opposition groups were fully ready to participate.

Banks in the Egyptian capital reopened on Monday, while schools and the stock exchange remain closed.

Protesters also prevented the re-opening of a major government building earlier on Monday.

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