Obama speaks with Abbas, Netanyahu

President Barack Obama spoke separately by phone on Thursday to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the White House said, as the United States seeks to keep up the momentum for peace negotiations.

"President Obama called Prime Minister Netanyahu today to commend his leadership and courage in resuming final status negotiations with the Palestinians," the White House said in a statement. "The president underscored that while the parties have much work to do in the days and months ahead, the United States will support them fully in their efforts to achieve peace." (Reuters)