EU's Solana visits Ankara

European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana, on a one-day visit to Ankara, yesterday met with President Abdullah Gul and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. During their meeting, Erdogan told Solana about his recent Middle East shuttle tour and how he supports peace efforts in Gaza. Afterwards, Solana praised Turkey's efforts to promote a cease-fire in Gaza to reporters, calling these efforts very constructive. Asked whether he had asked Turkey to use its influence with Hamas to accept a cease-fire proposal, Solana said, "There is no need for me to do so. The Turkish government's feeling of responsibility is very high, and they are already doing this."