Readout of the President’s Calls to Discuss Egypt

The President made a number of calls to foreign leaders today to discuss the ongoing situation in Egypt.  He spoke to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed of the United Arab Emirates, Prime Minister David Cameron of the United Kingdom, and Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany.  The President 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.  The President 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 President and Chancellor Merkel also reviewed developments in the broader Middle East, including today’s Quartet meeting in Munich.