Obama tells Egypt's Mursi to 'protect' democracy
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WASHINGTON (AFP) - US President Barack Obama warned on Tuesday that his Egyptian counterpart Mohamed Mursi has a "responsibility to protect" the democratic principles advanced by the 2011 uprising.
Mr Obama "welcomed President Mursi's commitment to serving as a president for all Egyptians, including women and people of all faiths," the White House said, in a statement describing a phone call between the two leaders.
Mr Obama "emphasised President Mursi's responsibility to protect the democratic principles that the Egyptian people fought so hard to secure," it said, referring to the uprising that brought down longtime autocrat Hosni Mubarak.
"President Obama encouraged President Mursi, and all political groups within Egypt, to work to build consensus and advance the political transition." The two leaders also discussed the importance of implementing economic reforms in Egypt "that have broad support and will promote long term growth," and Mr Obama "welcomed" Egypt's contribution to regional peace and security.
