Obama calls on Egyptian authorities to refrain from violence
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U.S. President Barack Obama on Friday called on Egyptian authorities to refrain from violence against peaceful protesters in the Middle East country.
Obama made the remarks in a brief televised speech shortly after Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak spoke on Egyptian television following massive protests across the country.
"My administration has been closely monitoring the situation in Egypt, and I know that we will be learning more tomorrow when day breaks," he said.
Meanwhile, he urged "those protesting in the streets" to express themselves peacefully, saying "violence and destruction" will not lead to the reforms they seek.
"This moment of volatility has to be turned into a moment of promise," said Obama.
Obama also said that he had spoken with Mubarak earlier in the day, urging him to take "concrete" steps to carry out political and economic reforms.
Massive anti-government protests took place across Egypt on Friday, leading to multiple deaths and injuries.
In his first public response to the protests, Mubarak said on Egyptian television that he has asked his current government to resign, vowing that the new government will bring more democracy and reform.
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