WASHINGTON (AP) - The Obama administration is in talks with top
Egyptian officials about the possible immediate resignation of
President Hosni Mubarak and the formation of an interim government
that could prepare the country for free and fair elections later
this year.

U.S. officials said Thursday the creation of a military-backed
caretaker government in Egypt is one of several ideas being
discussed as anti-Mubarak protests escalate in the streets of Cairo
and other Egyptian cities.

The officials said the United States isn't seeking to impose a
solution on Egypt but stressed that the administration had made a
judgment that Mubarak has to leave office soon if there is to be a
peaceful resolution to the crisis. The officials spoke on condition
of anonymity to discuss the sensitive diplomatic talks that are
continuing.

The talks were first reported by The New York Times.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)