Turkish president in Baghdad on landmark visit

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Turkish President Abdullah Gul on Monday arrived on an official visit to the Iraqi capital Baghdad, according to an informed source. Gul will discuss issues of mutual concern with Iraqi officials, including the contentious issue of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), the source noted. Gul and first lady Hayrunnisa Gul were received by Iraqi President Jalal al-Talabani and first lady Hero Ibrahim Ahmed at the Baghdad-based al-Salam Palace. Earlier today, a source close to the Turkish president said that Gul is scheduled to meet with Talabani, and Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki during the visit that will last until Tuesday. The visit is the first by a Turkish head of state to neighboring Iraq in 33 years. The last was by Fahri Koruturk in 1976. SS (P) 1