ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
US president Barack Obama has postponed his trip to Australia and New Zealand, the White House has confirmed.
Mr Obama was due to visit this month after rescheduling a trip planned for March.
A statement from White House press secretary Robert Gibbs confirms the visit is off but gives no reason for the postponement.
The announcement comes as Mr Obama deals with the massive oil spill crisis in the Gulf of Mexico.
The president is facing increasing anger from Americans over the crisis, which has seen oil spewing into the seas for more than 40 days.
He is due to soon make his third trip to the area to check on the clean-up operation.
Mr Gibbs says in his statement that Mr Obama has spoken with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to inform them of his decision.
"President Obama expressed his deep regret that he has to postpone his trip to Asia that was scheduled for later this month," the statement reads.
"The president looked forward to rescheduling so that he can visit both countries soon."
The statement also says Mr Obama plans to hold bilateral meetings with Mr Rudd at the G20 meetings in Canada later this month.
"President Obama underscored his commitment to our close alliance with Australia and our deepening partnership with Indonesia," he said.
It is uncertain whether the president will be able to reschedule the visit before the upcoming federal election.
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