Italy's leader says Obama exceeded expectations

He said Obama's support both publicly and privately at the White House on Thursday was important because of the U.S. president's role as a world leader.

Monti replaced Silvio Berlusconi in November and immediately enacted stiff austerity measures and pushed through reforms overturning decades of rules that have kept large portions of the Italian economy in the hands of insiders, stifled competition and hampered young workers.

Obama had kept his distance from Berlusconi as he battled endless sex scandals and corruption trials while the Italian economy crumbled. But the U.S. leader had strong praise for Monti after their White House meeting, saying he appreciated his "strong start" at Italy's helm which had boosted confidence in Italy throughout Europe and the world.

Assessing the outcome of his first visit to the U.S. since becoming premier, Monti said: "I have to say that there were both private and public words of appreciation for Italy's efforts which went far beyond what I would have expected, particularly from President Obama."

He told a press conference Friday evening after talks with U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon that he is returning to Rome "more determined than ever ... to continue our action on economic reforms."

But Monti cautioned that it will take time to see whether investors and markets react positively to Italy's reforms following "the words of appreciation" from Obama and others.

"It will take longer because the market speaks through positions and sales, through investments and disinvestments, and not so much with words," he said.

The economics professor and former European Union competition commissioner said his visit was aimed at explaining the government's economic policies -- not seeking new commitments from investors.

But he said he was "very, very impressed" by the list of bankers, business leaders and financiers from Wall Street who attended a private meeting with him earlier Friday, and he welcomed their input on budget and structural reforms that matter most to investors.

During his talks with secretary-general Ban and General Assembly President Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, Monti said he discussed geopolitical issues and "risk scenarios" in Libya, Somalia and Syria.

In Syria, he stressed the importance of "intensifying relations" with opposition forces, in close collaboration with the Arab League.

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