Biden calls Suleiman, seeks immediate steps on reforms

Lalit K Jha

Washington, Feb 6 (PTI) US Vice President Joe Bidencalled his Egyptian counterpart Omar Suleiman to stress theneed for "immediate steps" which demonstrate the Egyptiangovernment''s commitment to reforms, the White House has said.

In his second call to Suleiman this week, Biden asked hisEgyptian counterpart about the progress in beginning credible,inclusive negotiations for Egypt''s transition to a democraticgovernment to address aspirations of the Egyptian people.

"He stressed the need for a concrete reform agenda,a clear timeline, and immediate steps that demonstrate to thepublic and the opposition that the Egyptian government iscommitted to reform," the White House said yesterday.

During the telephonic conversation, Biden expressedconcern about continued raids on civil society and called forthe immediate release of journalists, activists, and humanrights advocates who have been detained without cause, theWhite House said.

Biden''s last call to Suleiman, the newly appointedEgyptian Vice President, was on Thursday when he said thatthe Egyptian government is responsible for ensuring thatpeaceful demonstrations don''t lead to violence.