White House, Egypt discuss sketch for Mubarak's exit

The Obama government is discussing with Egyptian officials a proposal for President Hosni Mubarak to resign immediately, turning over power to a midway government headed by Vice President Omar Suleiman with the support of the Egyptian military, administration officials and Arab diplomats said on Thursday.

Even though Mr. Mubarak has balked, so far, at leaving now, officials from both governments are enduring talks about a plan in which, Mr. Suleiman, backed by Sami Enan, chief of the Egyptian armed forces, and Field Marshal Mohamed Tantawi, the Defense Minister, would instantly begin a process of legitimate reform.

The proposal also calls for the transitional government to invite members from a broad range of opposition groups, including the banned Muslim Brotherhood, to begin work to open up the country's electoral system in an attempt to bring about free and fair elections in September, the officials said.