Log In | Register
WASHINGTON — The White House says President Barack Obama and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan (REH'-jehp TY'-ihp UR'-doh-wahn) have spoken on the phone to discuss Syria, Iraq and Iran, and affirm their support for democracy and engagement at a fraught moment for the Middle East.
Turkey is a key U.S. ally in a region roiled by violence in Syria and Iran's growing belligerence. A White House statement on the discussion between Obama and Erdogan on Friday said they agreed to continue to condemn the brutal actions of the Assad regime in Syria that have elicited cries for democracy from anti-government protesters there.
They also discussed Iran's nuclear program and how Iran should engage with the international community.
On Iraq, they voiced support for an inclusive transition to democracy.
