Meeting with Gul, scholars, writers, and civil leaders urge steps on southeast

President Abdullah Gul yesterday visited Istanbul's Center for Research on Islamic History, Art and Culture. Afterwards, he hosted a luncheon to woo the support of more than 100 international CEOs for Izmir's bid to host the 2015 Expo. Later, Gul received a group of academics, journalists, writers and civil leaders who submitted to him a letter urging steps to address problems in Turkey's southeast. In the letter, the group warned that rising tides of nationalism and violence are hurting prospects of Turks and Kurds living together in peace. Gul also received the just-elected Board of Directors of the Economic Development Foundation (IKV).