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Summary US President Barack Obama has spoken on Saturday to several foreign leaders about the unrest in Egypt, highlighting the need for an orderly, peaceful transition, beginning now, the White House said.
According to the statement, Obama spoke to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed of the United Arab Emirates, Prime Minister David Cameron of Britain and Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany.Obama discussed his serious concern about the targeting of journalists and human rights groups, and reaffirmed that the government of Egypt has a responsibility to protect the rights of its people and to release immediately those who have been unjustly detained.He also emphasized the importance of an orderly, peaceful transition, beginning now, to a government that is responsive to the aspirations of the Egyptian people, including credible, inclusive negotiations between the government and the opposition.The leaders agreed to stay in close contact going forward, the White House said.
