BEIJING, Dec. 10 (Xinhuanet) -- U.S. President Barack Obama has met with Republican Speaker of the House of Representatives John Boehner. They've been discussing ways to avoid the "fiscal cliff" at the White House.

The two sides declined to provide further details about the unannounced meeting, but indicated that lines of communication remain open. Obama and Boehner spoke by phone last week. The conversation was described by the Republican leader as pleasant but unproductive.

The two sides are trying to reach an agreement that will stop a series of automatic spending cuts and tax increases from going into effect at the beginning of the New Year.

Analysts say that if the so-called "fiscal cliff" occurs, the U.S. economy could swing back into a recession.

(Source: cntv.com)