Obama says U.S. will not default

Xinhua, July 8, 2011

U.S. President Barack Obama said on Thursday that both Democratic and Republican leaders agreed to ensure that the country will not default on its financial obligations on Aug. 2, but there is still no deal reached yet.

Budget talks were "very constructive", Obama said after a White House meeting with the top eight Republican and Democratic lawmakers in the House and Senate.

He said that leaders of both sides brought a spirit of compromise and of wanting to solve problems on behalf of the American people. But the parties are still far apart on a wide range of issues.

"Nothing is agreed to until everything is agreed to," said Obama.

He also noted that negotiators will meet again on Sunday.