At a meeting with EU leaders at the White House, President Obama says the U.S. is willing to help
SOUNDBITE: President Barack saying:
"Presidents Van Rompuy and Barroso have been very actively engaged with the heads of government and the heads of state in Europe to try to resolve this crisis. I communicated to them that the United States stands ready to do our part to help them resolve this issue. This is of huge importance to our own economy."
The European Union is the U.S.'s top trading partner. Uncertainty about its stability could impact the U.S. exports.
European Commission President José Manuel Barroso said that the debt crisis gripping Greece and Italy has only strengthened Europen resolve to prevent similar problems in the future.
SOUNDBITE: European Commission President José Manuel Barroso saying:
"In Europe we have come a long way in addressing the causes and some symptoms of this crisis. We are now strengthening economic governance of the European Union and Europe area with more robust rules to ensure sound budgetary policies and tackle imbalances.
While president did not say just what kind of help Washington may be able to offer to Europe, he has reportedly been in regular telephone contact with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Nicolas Sarkozy and other European leaders who will ultimately need to make tough decisions to salvage the euro zone.
Deborah Gembara, Reuters.