BEIJING, Dec. 29 (Xinhuanet) -- US President Barack Obama has made a statement on the so-called "fiscal cliff" after talks with the Congressional leaders at the White House.

Republican House Speaker, John Boehner, Senate Democratic Leader, Harry Reid, Senate Republican Leader, Mitch McConnell and House Democratic Leader, Nancy Pelosi joined the talks. The meeting is being seen as a final hope for a deal, before a December 31st "deficit deadline". After that, higher taxes will be automatically applied to all Americans, and public spending cuts will be introduced.

(Source: CNTV.cn)