White House wants transition in Egypt "as soon as possible."

Showing support for Egypt's protesters, the White House on Friday called on Egypt's interim military rulers to quickly handover power as thousands took to the streets in Cairo.

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By Khalil Hamra, AP

"The United States strongly believes that the new Egyptian government must be empowered with real authority immediately," the White House said in a statement. "We believe that Egypt's transition to democracy must continue, with elections proceeding expeditiously, and all necessary measures taken to ensure security and prevent intimidation. Most importantly, we believe that the full transfer of power to a civilian government must take place in a just and inclusive manner that responds to the legitimate aspirations of the Egyptian people, as soon as possible."
The statement is significant because the Obama administration had publicly endorsed a plan for military rule to ease the transition to democracy and civilian rule into 2013. The United States has long been one of the Egypt military's biggest allies—directing more than $1 billion in aid to the the nation last year.
Thousands took part in Friday's Last Change-Million Man March in Cairo as Egytians prepare to go to the polls on Monday for parliamentary elections.

Earlier this week, Egypt's cabinet resigned in reaction to protesters' outrage . And on Thursday, Egypt's generals announced they planned to appoint a former Hosni Mubarak deputy, Kamel el-Ganzoury, as the new temporary prime minister, but the move was scoffed at by the opposition.
Dozens have been killed and thousands injured, since Egypt's military announced earlier this month what protesters perceived as a power grab—calling for constitutional changes that would have made the future civilian government subordinate to the military.
"We deeply regret the loss of life, and urge the Egyptian authorities to implement an independent investigation into the circumstances of those deaths," the White House statement said. "But the situation Egypt faces requires a more fundamental solution, devised by Egyptians, which is consistent with universal principles."

 By Aamer Madhani, USA TODAY