Obama tells Morsi violence is Egypt ‘unacceptable,’ urges talks with opposition leaders

WASHINGTON – The White House says President Barack Obama has called Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi to express “deep concern” about the deaths and injuries of protesters in Egypt.

A White House statement says the president told Morsi that he and other political leaders in Egypt must make clear to their supporters that violence is unacceptable.

The statement Thursday night said that Obama welcomed Morsi’s call for a dialogue with opposition leaders in Egypt but stressed that such a dialogue should occur without preconditions. The United States also has urged opposition leaders to join in talks without preconditions.

Obama’s call to the Egyptian president came after thousands of Morsi supporters and opponents fought pitched battles outside his Cairo palace that left at least six dead and nearly 700 injured.