EGYPT: Defense Secretary Robert Gates speaks with counterparts in Egypt, Israel about unrest

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Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates spoke with Egyptian and Israeli counterparts this weekend about Egyptian unrest, Pentagon officials said Sunday.

Gates spoke by telephone to Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, the Egyptian minister of defense, about the situation, said Press Secretary Geoff Morrell. Gates also spoke by phone with Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak. Morrell would not provide details of the conversations.

Adm. Mike Mullen spoke Sunday with Lt. Gen. Sami Enan, the chief of staff of the Egyptian armed forces.

“Gen. Enan gave the chairman an update on events in his country, and the chairman expressed his appreciation for the continued professionalism of the Egyptian military,’ said Capt. John Kirby, Mullen’s spokesman.

Kirby said that in the 10-minute call, ‘both men reaffirmed their desire to see the partnership between our two militaries continue, and they pledged to stay in touch.’

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-- David Cloud