Obama calls Libya,Egypt to discuss

A day after "outrageous" attacks on US diplomatic missions in Libya and Egypt, President Barack Obama called his counterparts in the two countries to discuss security cooperation and investigation into the killing of the
American envoy to Tripoli and three other embassy staff.

The White House said on Thursday that Obama discussed with Libyan President Mohamed Magariaf and his Egyptian counterpart Mohammed Morsi the situation emerging in the region after the violent protests at the American diplomatic missions in their countries.

Following Obama's telephonic conversation with Magariaf, the White House said the two leaders agreed to work closely over the course of this investigation.

Obama reaffirmed the US support for Libya's democratic transition, a cause Ambassador Chris Stevens believed in deeply and did so much to advance, the White House said, two days after Stevens died after a violent mob attacked the US Consulate in Benghazi.

This was the first call between the two leaders after Magariaf's election last month.

During the call, Obama thanked Magariaf for extending his condolences for the tragic deaths of Ambassador Stevens, diplomat Sean Smith and two other State Department officials in Benghazi.

"He also expressed appreciation for the cooperation we have received from the Libyan government and people in
responding to this outrageous attack, and said that the Libyan government must continue to work with us to assure the security of our personnel going forward," the White House said.

Obama also spoke over telephone with Egyptian President Morsi to review the strategic partnership between the US and Egypt, and their ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral economic and security cooperation.

"Given recent events, and consistent with our interest in a relationship based on mutual interests and mutual respect, President Obama underscored the importance of Egypt following through on its commitment to cooperate with the United States in securing US  diplomatic facilities and personnel," the White House said.

"The President said that he rejects efforts to denigrate Islam, but underscored that there is never any justification
for violence against innocents and acts that endanger American personnel and facilities," it said.

Morsi expressed his condolences for the tragic loss of American life in Libya and emphasised that Egypt would
honour its obligation to ensure the safety of US personnel, the White House said.