Obama, Sarkozy discuss G20, Iran over telephone

WASHINGTON, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. and French presidents discussed several issues including economic recovery, Iran and the Middle East over the telephone on Tuesday.

A White House statement described the telephone conversation between Barack Obama and Nicolas Sarkozy as productive.

The discussion was "on our shared strategic agenda, underscoring broad agreement on key issues," the White House statement added.

A statement from the French president's office said that the 30-minute Sarkozy-Obama discussion focused on laying the groundwork for the upcoming Group of 20 summit in the U.S. city of Pittsburgh.

The two presidents talked about ways to reform international financial institutions so as to make them more inclusive and effective.

The two leaders agreed to work closely together to allow new decisions ensuring lasting and balanced growth to emerge in Pittsburgh.

However, according to a statement from Sarkozy's office, both leaders disagreed on a bonus cap for the financial sector.

Obama was opposed to capping bankers' bonuses whereas Sarkozy, along with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, supported a tight bonus regulation.

During their phone conversation, the U.S. and French presidents also touched upon diplomatic efforts aimed at making Iran comply with its international obligations regarding its nuclear program, according to the White House statement.

Representatives from the United States and France and four other major players - Britain, Germany, Russia and China - are expected to meet Iranian officials on Oct. 1 in Turkey.

The Obama administration expects the Turkey talks to focus on Iran's nuclear issue so as to form a "united front" with the other powers to force Tehran to abandon its nuclear program. Iran was accused by the United States of developing nuclear weapons.