US welcomes Gamal Mubarak's resignation

Washington: The Obama administration is welcoming word that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's son has quit his role in Egypt's ruling party.

White House spokesman Tommy Vietor said on Saturday that the administration is pleased with "any step that provides credibility" to the process of political change.

State TV reported that Gamal Mubarak resigned as a member of the party's steering committee. His father was widely believed to hope Gamal could one day succeed him as Egypt's president.