Iran's Jalili holds talks in Ankara

Saeed Jalili, the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, yesterday met separately with President Abdullah Gul and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara. Jalili delivered a message from Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad on Israel's offensive in Gaza, saying, "If regional countries act together for Gaza, rapid results will follow." Stressing the importance of an immediate cease-fire, Jalili added that ending Israel's blockade in Gaza and opening the borders are also very important measures. For his part, Gul said that a UN resolution for a cease-fire is very important. Touching on the incoming US administration's stance on the issue, Gul added, "The new US administration should be given a chance to contribute to the process positively."