WASHINGTON—Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, trying to stay ahead of rapidly shifting events in Egypt, called on the Egyptian government to restrain its security forces from violence and stressed that the U.S. wants "to partner with the Egyptian people" as well as its government in furthering political and economic reforms in the world's largest Arab nation.

"People in the Middle East, like people everywhere, are seeking a chance to contribute and have a role in decisions that will shape their lives," Ms. Clinton said at the State Department after meeting with the foreign minister of Colombia. "Leaders need to respond."

The Obama administration is struggling to stay ahead of events rocking the Middle East. Top officials, from President Barack Obama down, have been emphasizing democracy promotion while maintaining support for regimes like that of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's. White House officials made clear Mrs. Clinton was speaking for Mr. Obama when she said she was "deeply concerned about the use of violence against protested" in Cairo and other Egyptian cities.

She said grievances throughout the Middle East over political and economic stagnation are legitimate.

"The Egyptian government needs to understand that violence will not make these grievances go away," Mrs. Clinton said.

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