Obama discusses Syrian conflict with Italian PM

WASHINGTON, May 20 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Barack Obama on Monday called Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta to discuss a range of issues including economy, security in North Africa and the Syrian conflict.

The two leaders discussed bilateral cooperation in securing North Africa and addressing the 27-month conflict in Syria.

The United States and Russia are working toward a peace conference in Geneva either this or next month to explore ways to stop the violence in the Middle East nation.

Congratulating Letta on his new premiership, Obama voiced support for his focus on reducing youth unemployment in Italy and looked forward to further discussions about promoting economic growth at the G8 Summit slated for mid-June in Lough Erne, Northern Ireland, the White House said in a statement.

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