Obama urges Tantawi to lift state of emergency

US President Barack Obama urged Egypt''s army chief Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi to lift a state of emergency and end military trials for civilians. Obama also asked Tantawi to "reaffirm the close partnership between the United States and Egypt" and to "underscore his full support for Egypt''s transition to democracy," according to a telephone conversation announced by the White House. "The two leaders agreed that Egypt''s upcoming elections must be free and fair and be held in accordance with democratic standards," it added, with Obama noting that "the outcome of the election is for the Egyptian people to decide." The two leaders also discussed Egypt''s economic situation with the president emphasizing his support for full funding by Congress of the administration''s request for assistance for Egypt, without conditions. Obama and Tantawi also "underscored their intention to continue to cooperate closely on counter-terrorism and regional security," the statement said.