US 'not aligned' with any Egyptian party or group: Obama

US President Barack Obama has said that America is "not aligned" with any political party or group in Egypt and condemned the ongoing violence across the Arab country.
Obama, who is spending this weekend at Camp David, convened a secure conference call with the National Security Council yesterday to review the very fluid situation in Egypt, the White House said.

"The President condemned the ongoing violence across Egypt and expressed concern over the continued political polarisation.

"He reiterated that the United States is not aligned with, and does not support, any particular Egyptian political party or group," it said.

"In line with that position, the United States categorically rejects the false claims propagated by some in Egypt that we are working with specific political parties or movements to dictate how Egypt's transition should proceed," the White House said.
"We remain committed to the Egyptian people and their aspirations for democracy, economy opportunity, and dignity. But the future path of Egypt can only be determined by the Egyptian people," it said.

During this transitional period, the White House called on all Egyptians to come together in an inclusive process that allows for the participation of all groups and political parties.
"Throughout that process, the United States will continue to engage the Egyptian people in a spirit of partnership, consistent with our longstanding friendship and shared interests - including our interest in a transition to sustainable democracy," the White House said.

US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel called Egyptian Defense Minister Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, at least three times in the past two days to discuss on-going events, his spokesman said as the media reports said that the Obama Administration played a key role in the ouster of Morsi; which was refuted by the White House.

"In their conversations, Hagel emphasised the need for a peaceful civilian transition in Egypt. He also noted the importance of security for the Egyptian people, Egypt's neighbours, and the region," the Pentagon Press Secretary, George Little, said.
"Hagel also spoke to Crown Prince bin Zayed of the United Arab Emirates today to discuss the situation in Egypt and matters of mutual security concern in the Middle East," Little said.

The White House in a statement, urged all Egyptian leaders to condemn the use of force and to prevent further violence among their supporters, and urged all those demonstrating to do so peacefully.

"As Egyptians look forward, we call on all sides to bridge Egypt's divisions, reject reprisals, and join together to restore stability and Egypt's democracy," the White House said.

The New York Times said the abrupt end of Egypt's first Islamist government was the culmination of months of escalating tensions and ultimately futile American efforts to broker a solution that would keep Morsi in his elected office, at least in name, if not in power.

A new alliance of youthful activists and the Mubarak-era elite was driving street protests, it said.

According to the daily, in his final hours Morsi received a call from an Arab foreign minister with a final offer to end a standoff with the country's top generals.
"The foreign minister said he was acting as an emissary of Washington and he asked if Morsi would accept the appointment of a new prime minister and cabinet, one that would take over all legislative powers and replace his chosen provincial governors," the daily said.

Referring to a close aide of Morsi, the deposed Egyptian president refused.

"His top foreign policy adviser, Essam el-Haddad, then left the room to call the United States ambassador, Anne W Patterson, to say that Morsi refused.

"When he returned, he said he had spoken to Susan E Rice, the national security adviser, and that the military takeover was about to begin, senior aides said," the daily said.