Obama calls Qatar, UAE leaders to discuss crisis in Egypt

US President Barack Obama made phone calls to the leaders of Qatar and the UAE to discuss the current volatile situation in Egypt, where democratically elected president Mohammed Morsi was overthrown by the powerful military, triggering a wave of violent protests.

In both the calls yesterday, the three leaders expressed concern over the ongoing violence in Egypt and agreed on the need for all Egyptian leaders to discourage violence.

President Obama and Qatar Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani discussed about recent developments in Egypt, noting the use of force and incitement to violence by any party is unacceptable, the White House said.

"The President and Emir Tamim agreed that a political process that includes participation by all parties and groups is critical for Egypt's stability.

"They affirmed that the United States and Qatar will remain actively engaged with all sides in Egypt to promote a quick and responsible return to a sustainable, democratically elected civilian government," the White House said.

During their talks, President Obama and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan shared their concerns about the ongoing violence in Egypt along with increased political polarisation and agreed on the need for all Egyptian leaders to avoid incitement and discourage violence.

Both the leaders affirmed that for Egypt to emerge from this crisis, all Egyptians must come together to find an inclusive path forward.

"The President made it clear that United States is encouraging all political, military, and religious leaders in Egypt to remain engaged in dialogue and participate in a political process to hasten a return to democratically elected civilian government," the White House said yesterday.

The President encouraged the UAE to underscore in its engagements with Egyptians the importance of avoiding violence and taking steps to enable dialogue and reconciliation, it said.

Egypt is embroiled in a political crisis after President Mohammed Morsi was toppled by the powerful military last week.