Obama pledges diplomatic resolution of Ukraine crisis

, Sept 19: US President

Thursday pledged continued efforts to seek a diplomatic solution to the

crisis.

"In addition to the concrete expressions of support through security assistance and economic assistance, we are going to continue to help mobilise the international community towards a diplomatic solution," Xinhua quoted Obama as telling reporters after meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Petro Poroshenko at the White House.

He praised the Ukrainian leader for his efforts to broker a ceasefire in eastern Ukraine and pass legislation offering more autonomy to the regions there.

"Those were not easy laws that President Poroshenko passed, but I think they indicated his commitment to an inclusive Ukraine, his commitment to a Ukraine that has decentralisation and empowers local communities," Obama added.

"I have great confidence that President Poroshenko is balancing a lot of different variables here in a very difficult situation, but he's the right man for the job," he added.

Poroshenko, who was elected president in May, is on his first visit to the US. He appealed Thursday morning to US Congress for lethal aid.

IANS