Hagel expresses concerns to al-Sisi over arrest of protesters

US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel called his Egyptian counterpart Abdulfattah Al-Sisi on Saturday and "expressed US concerns over the recent enactment of a law restricting demonstrations and protests," according to a readout released by the Pentagon. Hagel stopped short of condemning the arrests in Egypt of a prominent political activist as well as 21 women - many of them juveniles - who were part of a protest in support of ousted President Mohammad Morsi. Hagel noted to Al-Sisi that "the Egyptian government's response to free expression will demonstrate (their) commitment to a non-violent, inclusive and sustainable democratic transition." On the attacks in the Sinai, Hagel expressed his condolences to Al-Sisi for the loss of 11 soldiers, who died when a suicide car bomb hit their bus convoy on Tuesday. Hagel "thanked General Al-Sisi for Egypt's continued efforts in combating terrorism in Sinai," said the readout. The two leaders also discussed counter-terrorism measures and the Egyptian constitution, as well as "plans for a constitutional referendum." Other issues included border and maritime security, regional security, and Syria and Iran.