The US leader spoke to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed of the United Arab Emirates, Prime Minister David Cameron of Britain and Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany, a statement said.
Obama "discussed his serious concern about the targeting of journalists and human rights groups, and reaffirmed that the government of Egypt has a responsibility to protect the rights of its people and to release immediately those who have been unjustly detained," it added.
He also "emphasized the importance of an orderly, peaceful transition, beginning now, to a government that is responsive to the aspirations of the Egyptian people, including credible, inclusive negotiations between the government and the opposition."
The leaders agreed to stay in close contact going forward, the White House said.
The statement came as Washington welcomed as a "positive step" the mass resignation of leaders of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak`s party, as it seeks to prod the strongman to the exit.
US officials hailed the move but urged more change.
"We view this as a positive step toward the political change that will be necessary, and look forward to additional steps," an Obama administration official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. (*)
Editor: Kunto Wibisono
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