Obama's Urgent Message to Mubarak, Posted by Meosha Eaton

WASHINGTON, Feb 1 (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama told Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak on Tuesday that a transition of power in his country must begin now, an Obama administration official said.

"The president had a direct and frank conversation with President Mubarak," the official said, describing Obama's 30 minute telephone discussion with the Egyptian leader after Mubarak announced he would step down in September.

"He said it was clear how much he loves his country, and how difficult this is for him. President Obama also explained to him that an orderly transition can't be prolonged - it must begin now," the official said.

(Reporting by Alister Bull; Editing by Steve Holland)