US special envoy Frank Wisner has said that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak should remain in power to oversee a transition to democracy.
The remarks appear to contradict previous US calls for Mr Mubarak to begin an immediate transition.
The state department has not yet commented.
Mr Wisner also welcomed the resignation of Egypt’s ruling party politburo. Senior figures including Mr Mubarak’s son Gamal have left their posts.