WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 (Saba) -- U.S. President Barack Obama on Friday called on Egyptian authorities to refrain from violence against peaceful protesters in the Middle East country, Xinhua News Agency has reported.

Obama made the remarks in a brief televised speech shortly after Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak spoke on Egyptian television following massive protests across the country.

"This moment of volatility has to be turned into a moment of promise," said Obama.

Obama also said that he had spoken with Mubarak earlier in the day, urging him to take "concrete" steps to carry out political and economic reforms.


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