(AhlulBayt News Agency) - "Vice President Biden urged that credible, inclusive negotiations begin immediately in order for Egypt to transition to a democratic government that addresses the aspirations of the Egyptian people," read a statement by the White House on Thursday.
"He stressed that the Egyptian government is responsible for ensuring that peaceful demonstrations don't lead to violence and intimidation and for allowing journalists and human rights advocates to conduct their important work, including immediately releasing those who have been detained," the statement continued.
Biden had earlier told opposition protesters to go home, saying that their demonstrations would contribute to chaos in the country.
Last week, Biden refused to call Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak a dictator, saying, "I would not refer to him as a dictator."
"Mubarak has been an ally of ours in a number of things, and he's been very responsible on, relative to geopolitical interests in the region," Biden said.
Egyptian opposition groups are calling for the departure of Mubarak from power, the formation of a new parliament, and amendments to the constitution.
According to the UN, as many as 300 people have been killed, and thousands injured in clashes between security forces and protesters in Cairo and other Egyptian cities over the past week.
In an interview with ABC on Thursday, Mubarak noted that he wanted to give up power in the face of protests, but fears a fresh wave of unrest will engulf the country if he quits.
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