Iraqi VP Hashemi due in Turkey tomorrow

In the wake of President Abdullah Gul postponing a trip to Iraq for health reasons, Iraqi Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi is set to visit Turkey tomorrow. The tripartite counter-terrorism mechanism between Turkey, the US and Iraq is expected to be assessed during the gathering. Issues at the meeting will include the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) agreement between Iraq and the US, strengthening border controls between the two countries, and upcoming elections in Iraq. Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari is also expected to visit to Turkey soon.