President Obama has asked Republican Senators Lindsey Graham and John McCain to travel to Egypt for talks with the interim government and opposition figures. The announcement follows Tuesday’s meeting between European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton and the ousted Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi. It was Morsi’s first known outside contact since he was removed from office earlier this month. Later in the day, Ashton met with Egyptian Vice President Mohamed ElBaradei.

Catherine Ashton: “Only an inclusive process will work, and though I recognize that is challenging, it is really important to begin now.”

Mohamad Elbaradei: “To end polarization through peaceful means, and that’s exactly what we are trying to do. That’s exactly why Lady Ashton and the European Union has been here to try to help. That’s why we are having all sorts of conversations with everybody. So I’m still optimistic. I still hope once we lower the temperature, once we contain the violence that is taking place, then there will be room for a peaceful way to disband demonstration in different parts of the country and then go into a serious dialogue.”