Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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January 8, 2008

Bush Meets With Turkish President Ahead of Mideast Departure
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=1AD7880:A6F02AD83191E1606A84A2A9D3BD5D8D2A201403E89ED254& US president,
Turkish counterpart expected to discuss situation in Iraq and
Afghanistan as well as Istanbul's efforts to join European Union





President Bush, 07 Jan 2008 U.S. President George Bush meets with
Turkey's president Tuesday before departing this evening on a trip to
visit several U.S. allies in the Middle East.

Mr. Bush and Turkish President Abdullah Gul are expected to discuss
the situation in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as Istanbul's efforts to
join the European Union.

The talks are expected to focus on Turkey's offensive against Kurdish
rebels entrenched along Turkey's border with northern Iraq. Turkey and
the United States classify the Kurdistan Workers Party as a terrorist
group, but U.S. officials have expressed concern that Turkey's
cross-border military operations could destabilize northern Iraq.

In the afternoon, Mr. Bush will take part in a private video
teleconference with American provincial reconstruction teams and
combat commanders in Iraq.

Later, he leaves for Israel and the West Bank where Mr. Bush has said
he will discuss Iran and the Middle East peace process.

Mr. Bush has not given details about what he will say about Iran. In
pre-trip interviews, Mr. Bush said he is working on a plan to counter
what he calls Iran's "aggressive ambitions."

He also will visit Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi
Arabia and Egypt on his Middle East tour.




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