Obama, Sarkozy discuss Iran, G20 Summit

WASHINGTON, Sept. 16 (UPI) -- Iran's nuclear program and the Group of 20 Summit were discussion points for U.S. President Obama and French President Nicolas Sarkozy, the White House said.

During a phone conversation Tuesday, the two world leaders discussed diplomatic efforts to bring Iran into compliance with its international obligations concerning the country's nuclear program, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said in a readout of the conversation.

Obama and Sarkozy also agreed to continue working with key players in the Middle East to try to set conditions under which Israeli-Arab peace talks could resume, Gibbs said.

Preparations for the Group of 20 summit next week in Pittsburgh also were discussed, including the need for world leaders to address a range of regulatory issues, the spokesman said. They also discussed ways to reform international institutions to make them more effective.

Obama also congratulated Sarkozy on the appointment of Gen. Stephane Abrial as NATO supreme allied commander transformation, a post that will oversee the transformation of NATO's forces and capabilities to meet 21st century challenges.