Pentagon chief telephones Egypt counterpart, urges restraint

WASHINGTON: The US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel Saturday expressed deep concern about the security situation and recent violence in Egypt.

"This afternoon Secretary Hagel spoke by phone with Egyptian Defense Minister al-Sisi and encouraged him that restraint be exercised during this difficult period", a readout issued by the Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said.

According to the readout, during the telephonic meeting, Hagel told al-Sisi that US believed that the current transition needed to be marked by inclusivity.

"The Egyptian authorities should avoid politicized arrests and detentions, and take steps to prevent further bloodshed and loss of life", Hagel said.

He added that it was in the short and long term interests of the Egyptian people to renew their path toward democratic transition, and to emphasize tolerance across the political spectrum.