Obama, Merkel stress on de-escalating Ukraine situation

US President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel agreed on the importance of de-escalating the situation in Ukraine, the White House has said.

In a telephone talk between the two leaders, they discussed potential solution to the crisis in Ukraine, including deploying international observers and human rights monitors, and initiating direct talks between Russia and Ukraine, Xinhua cited from a statement issued by the White House Tuesday.

Obama and Merkel also discussed the need to continue to support the Ukrainian government as it works to stabilize its economy and makes preparations for elections in May, according to the statement.