Obama to Morsi: Democracy is more than elections

David Jackson | USA TODAY

President Obama urged Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi on Monday to respond to the concerns of citizens who are protesting his rule.

Obama "stressed that democracy is about more than elections," said a White House readout of the phone call. "It is also about ensuring that the voices of all Egyptians are heard and represented by their government."

The leaders spoke amid massive street protests against Morsi, reminiscent of those that drove Hosni Mubarak from power in 2011.

The White House said Obama told Morsi, "The United States is committed to the democratic process in Egypt and does not support any single party or group."

The full White House readout:

"President Obama called President Morsi on Monday, July 1, to convey his concerns about recent developments in Egypt. The President told President Morsi that the United States is committed to the democratic process in Egypt and does not support any single party or group.

"He stressed that democracy is about more than elections; it is also about ensuring that the voices of all Egyptians are heard and represented by their government, including the many Egyptians demonstrating throughout the country.

"President Obama encouraged President Morsi to take steps to show that he is responsive to their concerns, and underscored that the current crisis can only be resolved through a political process. As he has said since the revolution, President Obama reiterated that only Egyptians can make the decisions that will determine their future."