Obama speaks with Turkey’s president about ISIL fight

WASHINGTON – As tensions escalate over Turkey’s military role in northern Iraq, the White House says President Barack Obama has spoken with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The White House says Obama cited the need for close co-ordination between the U.S. and Turkey to apply pressure on the Islamic State group in Syria.

The White House also says Obama welcomed continued dialogue between Turkey and Iraq to determine the appropriate level and form of Turkey’s participation in countering ISIL in northern Iraq.

Baghdad has bristled over Turkish troops training Sunni and Kurdish fighters near Mosul. Ankara has insisted it will play a role in liberating Mosul.

The White House says the two leaders affirmed their support for Iraq’s sovereignty and the need to deny a haven to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.