Obama holds phone talks with Tantawi

U.S. President Barack Obama called Chairman of the Supreme Council of Armed Forces (SCAF) in Egypt Field Marshall Hussein Tantawi to discuss Egypt''s democratic transition and IMF loans. Obama urged Tantawi to let civil socity groups and non-governemtal organizations operate freely in Egypt''s new political structures. "(Obama) welcomed the historic seating of the lower house of Egypt''s Parliament and offered his congratulations to the Egyptian people on taking this important step towards democracy," a White House statement said. "The two leaders discussed Egypt''s economic situation and the ongoing discussions between Egypt and the International Monetary Fund on an economic program that can garner the broad support of the Egyptian people," the statement added. Egypt is seeking a much-needed financial support program with IMF that is worth around $3.2 billion to help the country''s economy recover from a financial crisis suffered after a popular uprising led to former president Hosni Mubarak''s ouster.