Obama Expresses 'Deep Concern' over Egypt Deaths to Morsi

U.S. President Barack Obama expressed "deep concern" Thursday over the recent deadly political protests in Egypt, in a call to his counterpart Mohammed Morsi, the White House said.

Obama also told Morsi that it was "essential for Egyptian leaders across the political spectrum to put aside their differences and come together to agree on a path that will move Egypt forward," the White House said in a statement.

Morsi earlier defied calls to curb his sweeping powers or suspend proposed changes to the constitution, infuriating thousands of protesters who have clashed bloodily with his supporters in recent days.

Seven people died in clashes between Morsi's Islamist supporters and his mainly secular opponents on Wednesday in Egypt's worst political crisis since Morsi took office in June.

Another 644 people were injured, medical officials said.

"President Obama called President Morsi today to express his deep concern about the deaths and injuries of protesters in Egypt," said the statement issued by White House spokesman Jay Carney.

Obama "emphasized that all political leaders in Egypt should make clear to their supporters that violence is unacceptable," it said.

The U.S. president welcomed Morsi's call for dialogue beginning Saturday in his offices, but said it "should occur without preconditions" and urged opposition leaders to take part.

Obama "reiterated the United States' continued support for the Egyptian people and their transition to a democracy that respects the rights of all Egyptians," the statement said.