Obama Calls Iraqi President, Prime Minister
"The President offered the best wishes of the American people as Iraq's new provincial leaders begin to assume important new responsibilities on behalf of the Iraqi people," the White House said in a release. "President Obama described the review of U.S. planning on options for executing a responsible military drawdown that he directed on the first day of his administration. He reiterated his commitment to consult with the Iraqi Government as the process moves forward."
Mr. Obama also spoke to Korean president Lee Myung-bak. In a conversation dubbed "warm and substantive" by the White House, the president "conveyed his deep commitment to the United States-Republic of Korea alliance."
"Both presidents expressed their intention to expand cooperation on global issues," the release said. "They discussed the current financial crisis and agreed to work together, including at the G-20 Summit in London, to stabilize the global economy, to spur growth, and to get credit markets flowing. The presidents also discussed North Korea and agreed to work closely as allies and through the six-party talks to achieve the verifiable elimination of North Korea's nuclear weapons and programs."