WASHINGTON, June 26 (AP/UNB) - The White House says President Barack Obama spoke with Italian Premier Mario Monti to discuss economic developments in Europe and the importance of promoting economic growth and stability in the eurozone.

The Monday call was a follow-up to discussions Obama had with Monti and other European leaders during last week's economic summit in Mexico.

Obama on Monday also called new Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras and urged him to work closely with European and international institutions as his government seeks to renegotiate terms of tough austerity measures.

Europe has been battling a massive debt crisis that threatens the United States' fragile economic recovery, with potential repercussions for Obama's re-election chances in November.