Readout of the Vice President's Call with Egyptian Vice President Omar Soliman

The Vice President spoke by phone today with Egyptian Vice President Omar Soliman. Vice President Biden asked about progress in beginning credible, inclusive negotiations for Egypt's transition to a democratic government to address the aspirations of the Egyptian people. He stressed the need for a concrete reform agenda, a clear timeline, and immediate steps that demonstrate to the public and the opposition that the Egyptian government is committed to reform. Vice President Biden expressed concern about continued raids on civil society and called for the immediate release of journalists, activists, and human rights advocates who have been detained without cause.