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AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

Obama tells Egypt he is 'deeply concerned' over protest deaths

The US president told Mohamed Morsi that he was worried about the deaths of protesters in Egypt in recent days.

US PRESIDENT BARACK Obama has expressed “deep concern” over the recent deadly political protests in Egypt, in a call to his counterpart Mohamed Morsi, the White House said.

Obama also told Morsi that it was “essential for Egyptian leaders across the political spectrum to put aside their differences and come together to agree on a path that will move Egypt forward,” the White House said in a statement.

Morsi earlier defied calls to curb his sweeping powers or suspend proposed changes to the constitution, infuriating thousands of protesters who have clashed bloodily with his supporters in recent days.

Seven people died in clashes between Morsi’s Islamist supporters and his mainly secular opponents on Wednesday in Egypt’s worst political crisis since Morsi took office in June.

Another 644 people were injured, medical officials said.

“President Obama called President Morsi to express his deep concern about the deaths and injuries of protesters in Egypt,” said the statement issued by White House spokesman Jay Carney.

Obama “emphasized that all political leaders in Egypt should make clear to their supporters that violence is unacceptable,” it said.

The US president welcomed Morsi’s call for dialogue beginning Saturday in his offices, but said it “should occur without preconditions” and urged opposition leaders to take part.

Obama “reiterated the United States’ continued support for the Egyptian people and their transition to a democracy that respects the rights of all Egyptians,” the statement said.

The anti-Morsi camp is furious with the president for assuming sweeping powers two weeks ago and by what it feels was the railroading through by an Islamist-dominated panel of the draft constitution.

- ©AFP, 2012

Photos: Tens of thousands of Egyptian protesters encircle presidential palace >

Read: Tanks deployed at Egypt presidential palace after clashes >

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    Mute toorkeel
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    Dec 7th 2012, 8:47 AM

    …well they had their “Arab Spring” to get rid of the devil they knew and they have replaced him with what appears to be an Islamic Despot. Be careful for what you wish for….

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    Mute phantom duck Nibbler
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    Dec 7th 2012, 9:40 AM

    OBomber

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    Mute Derek Durkin
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    Dec 7th 2012, 2:59 PM

    Never once heard him open his mouth about Bahrain.

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    Mute Dodge Challenger
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    Dec 7th 2012, 8:33 AM

    3, 2, 1….
    Let the “good man Obama” and “I can’t wait until he and Michelle come back to Ireland” comments begin.

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    Mute Brian Mc Cabe
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    Dec 7th 2012, 9:46 AM

    Will they be here for the “grabbing”

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    Mute Keith Jack
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    Dec 7th 2012, 11:44 AM

    Why don’t the yanks just mind their own business, between this and Clinton they won’t leave any country alone. And what a great job they make when they go into a country

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    Mute Kevin Higgins
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    Dec 7th 2012, 12:17 PM

    Will America ever leave people be? A police state too big for their boots trying to establish a police world

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    Mute B Lowe
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    Dec 7th 2012, 3:35 PM

    Smokescreen.

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