Barack Obama: Egypt transition of power must 'begin now'

US President Barack Obama has condemned the violence in Egypt and urged President Hosni Mubarak to heed the call of the people for an orderly transition of power which must "begin now".

After tens of thousands of protesters attended a "day of departure" rally in Tahrir Square in Cairo on Friday, Mr Obama said "we oppose violence as a response to this crisis".

He added: "We want to see this moment of turmoil turn into a moment of opportunity".