BICOM

The New York Times reported last night the Obama administration is in discussions with Egyptian officials to coordinate a plan that would see President Hosni Mubarak resign and a transitional government take over under the leadership of Vice President Omar Suleiman, with the support of the country’s military. The plan includes creating a diverse transitional government with a broad range of opposition groups, including the banned Muslim Brotherhood.

According to a CNN report, a senior Obama administration official rejected the New York Times report. “It’s simply wrong to report that there’s a single US plan that’s being negotiated with the Egyptians,” the official said. US National Security Council spokesman, Tommy Vietor said that the US are discussing a “variety of different ways” in which a new government could take shape. However, Vietor added that any final decision taken will be made by the Egyptian people.

Meanwhile, on the streets of Cairo, protesters have called to intensify demonstrations. Following Friday prayers large protests are expected, with activist calling it the “Friday of Departure” for President Mubarak. In his first interview since the protests began, President Mubarak told ABC News that he was ready to leave office, but feared that the country would sink into deeper chaos if he left. “I am fed up. After 62 years in public service, I have had enough. I want to go,” Mubarak said.