Obama speaks with European leaders ahead of summit

President Barack Obama discussed economic developments in Europe with the leaders of Germany, France, and Italy ahead of a summit in Mexico, the White House said. Obama on Wednesday continued discussions he held at the Group of Eight (G8) summit at the Camp David presidential retreat in western Maryland with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande, and Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti. At Camp David, Obama and the world leaders said their governments must promote growth and cut debt to address the European debt crisis. The situation in Europe is expected to be a leading topic when leaders of the Group of Twenty (G20) convene in Mexico next month. Obama and the European leaders also discussed Syria, the White House said.