Obama, Merkel discuss eurozone, mideast

President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have spoken on the telephone continuing their close consultations on the Eurozone crisis, recent developments in financial markets and the Middle East peace, the White House announced. The two leaders, in the phone conversation, conducted late on Monday, agreed that concerted action would be needed in the months ahead to address the current economic challenges and to assure global economic recovery, the statement said. Obama thanked Merkel for her commitment to the Mideast peace process "and her personal engagement with the parties to facilitate a return to direct talks," it said. (end) rm.rk KUNA 200934 Sep 11NNNN