US İn Conference With Allies Amid Raging Conflicts

United States President Barack Obama has tried to soothe several foreign policy headaches in video teleconferences with European allies.



In calls with British Prime Minister David Cameron, French President Francois Hollande, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, Obama discussed worrying developments in Ukraine, Gaza, Libya and Iraq.



The five leaders agreed on the need for unrestricted access to Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17's crash site and on the importance of coordinated sanctions against Russia for its alleged destabilization of Ukraine, according to a statement from the White House.



On Gaza, Obama reiterated the U.S. position that Israel has a right to defend itself. The leaders all agreed "on the need for an immediate, unconditional humanitarian ceasefire, noting shared concern about the risk of further escalation and the loss of more innocent life."



Since July 7, at least 1,058 Palestinians have been killed during Israel's Operation Protective Edge while 40 Israeli soldiers and seven civilians have died.



The leaders also discussed Iraq's security challenges, urging the speedy formation of an inclusive government. On Libya, the leaders agreed on the need for an immediate ceasefire to end militia violence in capital Tripoli.



"They condemned any use of violence to attack civilians, intimidate officials, or disrupt the political process," according to the White House.



www.aa.com.tr/en - Washington DC