Obama Encouraged By Euro Debt Deal

President Obama told reporters Thursday that he is pleased with the ability of European leaders to come to terms on a plan to bail out financially troubled nations across the Atlantic.

Speaking in the Oval Office before a meeting with Czech Republic Prime Minister Petr Necas, Obama called the deal “an important first step.”

“There’s no doubt that it’s progress,” Obama said. “So the key now is to make sure that there is strong follow-up, strong execution of the plans that have been put forward.”

Necas, who was involved in negotiations in Brussels, did not comment on the plan while reporters were in the room.