Barack Obama speaks to Karzai; vows to prevent repeat of Libya attacks

President Barack Obama called his Afghan counterpart Hamid Karzai and discussed security situation in Afghanistan following the violent mob attacks on its missions in Libya and Egypt which killed American ambassador to Tripoli.

During their telephone call yesterday, the two leaders "discussed the importance of working together to help ensure that the circumstances that led to the violence in Libya and Egypt do not pose a threat to US forces or Afghans," the White House said.

The two leaders took the opportunity to discuss the tragic events that took place in Benghazi.

Karzai expressed condolences for the tragic loss of American life in Libya and the two Presidents vowed to prevent a flare-up of anti-American violence in Afghanistan.

The White House said Obama called Karzai as part of their regular consultations as transition continues in Afghanistan.

"Obama also reaffirmed his commitment to transferring detainees to Afghan authority in a manner that respects Afghan sovereignty and protects US and Afghan forces. The two Presidents agreed to speak again soon on additional issues of mutual interest," the White House said.

Meanwhile, flags were lowered at US installations around the globe, and President Obama ordered increased security at American missions across the world following Tuesday's deadly assault on its mission in Benghazi.

The assault, which killed US ambassador to Libya Chris Stevens and three other Americans, was triggered by a mob angered by a film deemed offensive to Islam.

In Egypt, thousands of demonstrators tore down the American flag at the US embassy in Cairo on Tuesday and replaced it with a black flag similar to one adopted by al-Qaeda and several militant groups.

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