The White House says Vice President Joe Biden has condemned the recent violence in Egypt and called for restraint on all sides during a telephone call Thursday with the country's new vice president.

Biden also restated the Obama administration's support for universal rights, including the right to peaceful assembly, association and speech.

In a statement, the White House said Biden stressed to Omar Suleiman (su-LAY'-mahn) that the Egyptian government is responsible for ensuring that peaceful demonstrations don't lead to violence and intimidation. He also said journalists and human rights advocates should be allowed to conduct their work and urged the immediate release of those who have been detained.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton also has spoken with Suleiman.