Top US Gen. Mullen meets with Erdogan

US Joint Chiefs Of Staff Chairman Gen. Michael Mullen yesterday arrived in Istanbul at the invitation of his Turkish counterpart Gen. Ilker Basbug. Mullen was also received by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan for a meeting which lasted about one hour. Also at the meeting were ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) Deputy Chairman Egemen Bagis and US Ambassador to Ankara Ross Wilson. The meeting focused on the fight against terrorism and intelligence-sharing with the US. Mullen today is expected to meet with Basbug and President Abdullah Gul. In related news, Alliances of Civilizations co-sponsors Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Spanish Premier Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero will meet today in Istanbul for an iftar fast-breaking dinner.