President Obama spoke by telephone with Prime Minister Noda of Japan this evening.  The two leaders conferred on the situation on the Korean Peninsula following the death of Kim Jong Il.  The President underscored the United States’ commitment to the defense of our close allies, including Japan.  He also conveyed the importance he places on maintaining the stability of the Korean Peninsula and the region.  Both leaders agreed that the United States and Japan would monitor events carefully and stay in close touch.