Readout of President Obama’s Phone Calls with President Zapatero and Prime Minister Berlusconi

The President spoke today with Spanish President Jose Luis Zapatero and, separately, with Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi about the latest developments in the eurozone crisis.  The President welcomed the measures pursued by Spain and Italy to address their immediate economic challenges and improve their competitiveness.  The President also consulted with President Zapatero and Prime Minister Berlusconi on the situation in Syria.  The leaders condemned the Assad regime’s continued use of indiscriminate violence against the Syrian people, and agreed to consult further on additional steps to pressure the Assad regime and support the Syrian people’s democratic aspirations.  President Zapatero and Prime Minister Berlusconi also expressed their condolences for the deaths of 30 American servicemen in Afghanistan on August 6th.  The President  noted that all ISAF members have made sacrifices in Afghanistan but our continued solidarity demonstrates the strength of our coalition.