Obama talks Syria, Egypt with Saudi king

[July 13, 2013]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- The White House says President Barack Obama has discussed the crises in Egypt and Syria with King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, a Mideast powerhouse.

Obama and Abdullah shared concerns that Syria's civil war could affect the region. The White House says Obama emphasized the U.S. will keep supporting the rebels seeking to oust President Bashar Assad. Saudi Arabia and other Sunni Muslim states are also backing the rebels.

The White House says Obama told Abdullah he was concerned about violence in Egypt and the need for an inclusive, democratic process to return a civilian government. After Egypt's military toppled Islamist President Mohammed Morsi, Abdullah sent the military a congratulations message. The Gulf nation has also pledged $5 billion in post-coup aid to Egypt.

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.