Erdogan meets with top Hamas officials

Turkish prime minister talks Palestinian reconciliation, possible Gaza visit with Khaled Mashaal and Ismail Haniyeh

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, right, seen during a meeting with Khaled Mashaal, Hamas' then chief in exile, center, and Gaza-based leader Ismail Haniyeh in Ankara, Turkey, on June 18, 2013. (AP/Yasin Bulbul, Prime Minister's Press Office)
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, right, seen during a meeting with Khaled Mashaal, Hamas' then chief in exile, center, and Gaza-based leader Ismail Haniyeh in Ankara, Turkey, on June 18, 2013. (AP/Yasin Bulbul, Prime Minister's Press Office)

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is taking a break from his troubles at home to meet top Hamas officials for talks on Palestinian reconciliation.

An Erdogan aide says he is holding talks with Hamas chief Khaled Mashaal as well as the Gaza Strip’s prime minister, Ismail Haniyeh. The aide requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak on the record.

Tuesday’s talks will focus on reconciling the rival Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas, but may also include Erdogan’s plans to visit Gaza. Hamas militants seized control of Gaza in 2007, following several days of fighting against forces loyal to Fatah.

Erdogan, who faces major demonstrations against his rule at home, has said he plans to visit Gaza despite U.S. pleas that he delay the trip.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.

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