But I think as time went on after the Rose Revolution, I think he wanted to perpetuate this kind of system in which there was really absence of checks and balances, no real opposition included in the political process very much sort of governing by committee of the inner circle, of loyal allies around the president.

VOA: standard.2009.09.01

Long-time former Egyptian Foreign Minister Esmat Abdel Meguid praised Mr.Obama for coming to Egypt and for trying to develop stronger ties with the Arab world: "I very much welcome this visit and consider that it's a very important move by Mr.Obama, and that in coming and visiting, to know more about our area and about Egypt, is something very,very successful.

VOA: standard.2009.05.09