US hails 'positive' Mubarak party resignation

WASHINGTON: The United States welcomed as a "positive step" the mass resignation of leaders of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's party Saturday, as it seeks to prod the strongman to the exit.

Mubarak huddled with his new government for the first time as the top executive committee of his ruling National Democratic Party, which includes his son Gamal, resigned, state television reported.

The NDP executive has six members, including its secretary general. Gamal Mubarak was its number two, and also headed the 30-strong political committee.

But despite the shakeup Hosni Mubarak remains president of both the party and of Egypt.

US officials hailed the move but urged more change.

"We view this as a positive step toward the political change that will be necessary, and look forward to additional steps," an Obama administration official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

President Barack Obama is due to discuss the crisis in Egypt with his senior national security staff in the secure White House Situation Room, after earlier discussions between deputies to his cabinet members convened by Deputy National Security Adviser Denis McDonough.

"As the president has repeatedly said, Egyptians will be the ones that decide how this transition occurs," said National Security Council spokesman Tommy Vietor.

"We welcome any step that provides credibility to that process," Vietor said.

On Friday, Obama said the proud "patriot" Mubarak should listen to his people and make the "right decision," avoiding an explicit request for the longtime US ally to step down immediately.

At least 300 people are believed to have been killed and thousands injured since the protests began on January 25, according to UN figures.