Erdogan, Britain's Brown discuss Cyprus issue and EU matters on phone

In a telephone conversation yesterday, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his British counterpart Gordon Brown discussed issues of common concern such as just-elected European Union President Herman van Rompuy, whose views on Turkey's EU accession bid are similar to those of French and German leaders, Turkish-EU relations, and ongoing talks between the Turkish and Greek Cypriot leaders, along with various international issues. The conversations took place at Brown's request. In related news, Erdogan will arrive in Washington in early next week for official talks at the invitation of US President Barack Obama. Erdogan's talks with Obama are expected to focus on bilateral ties as well as regional and international issues such as joint efforts against terrorism, the Middle East peace process, Iran's nuclear program, Iraq, stability in the Balkan and the Caucasus, and energy matters. One of the main topics between the two leaders will be Turkey's EU accession process. Shortly after Erdogan's talks in the US capital, EU leaders will convene in Brussels to discuss Turkey's accession talks, among other things. Known for their staunch opposition to Turkey's EU admission, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy are expected to reiterate their anti-Turkey stance at the meeting. Analysts underline the timing of the Erdogan-Obama meeting, saying that the influence of Obama, a strong supporter of Turkey's EU aspirations, will counterbalance the German and French opposition to Turkey's EU accession.