WASHINGTON, Jan. 29 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama called Saturday for restraint in Egypt after meeting briefly with his national security team, the White House said.
Without giving details, the White House said in a statement Obama reiterated the U.S. focus would be on on "opposing violence and calling for restraint; supporting universal rights and supporting concrete steps that advance political reform within Egypt."
Vice President Joe Biden, national security adviser Tom Donilon and Chief of Staff Bill Daley were among those participating in the meeting, which lasted just over an hour.
The White House said the president was updated on the situation in Egypt.
Meanwhile protests against Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak erupted for a fifth day in Cairo. Thousands ignored a 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. curfew and remained in the streets.
The Los Angeles Times said while most demonstrations were peaceful, looting and arson spread in some neighborhoods.
