US-Egyptian diplomatic talks focus on Syrian conflict

Kerry relays a message from Obama: We need consensus Talks between Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi and US Secretary of State John Kerry focused on the Syrian crisis in a meeting in Cairo on Sunday, a statement by the President's office said.
President Morsi highlighted the need for the international community to deliver on its “responsibility to the Syrian people,” the statement said.
Kerry reportedly briefed Morsi on the outcome of the recent Friends of Syrian Group meeting held in Rome last week. The talks were also attended by Egyptian Foreign Minister Mohammed Kamel Amr.
The two men also discussed possible avenues for the resumption of the Middle East peace process.
President Morsi condemned “all forms of Israeli aggression, singling out continued Israeli settlement-building as “attempts at stalling” peace.
The crisis in Mali and its regional and international repercussions were also discussed, the presidential statement said.
It is not clear whether the two leaders discussed Egypt’s current political situation, as opposition groups including the National Salvation Front (NSF) renewed their threats to boycott upcoming parliamentary elections.
Presidential sources told Arabstoday the US Secretary of State advised the Egyptian President to push for consensus with opposition groups, warning of an impending economic crisis in the country.
According to sources, Kerry urged all political forces in Egypt to cooperate in achieving the goals of the revolution.
Kerry ended his two-day visit to Cairo -- during which he has met with civil society organisations, businessmen and top state officials -- leaving for the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh on Sunday.