Clinton aims to renew Turkey ties

By Sarah Rainsford BBC News, Istanbul

Hillary Clinton included Turkey on the European leg of her tour

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is in Turkey, the final stop on a week-long foreign tour.

It is the first visit by a member of the new US administration to Turkey.

Mrs Clinton's meetings are expected to cover a wide range of issues, including Turkey's role in the Middle East and peacemaking potential in the Caucasus.

After a fraught relationship with the Bush administration, the visit by Mrs Clinton is also seen as a chance to reaffirm the two countries' alliance.

Turkey calls this visit by Mrs Clinton "important confirmation" of its strategic relationship with America.

Mediation potential

There is a wide range of issues to discuss.

They include Turkey's unique potential as a mediator in the Middle East, and its role in helping cut the West's energy dependence on Russia.

Then there is Iraq, where Ankara has indicated it will allow the US to use its territory and bases for the planned withdrawal of troops.

On Afghanistan though, there is no hint Turkey will commit any combat troops to intensified operations there.

In domestic policy terms, Turkey is expected to try to ensure President Barack Obama does not refer to the mass killing of Armenians in 1915 as genocide, in his speech on the anniversary of the forced deportations next month.

But this visit is also an important chance to repair relations between two old allies.

Low ratings

The war in Iraq was just one reason public perception of the US plunged to a historic low in Turkey.

So Mrs Clinton plans to reach out to that public.

In addition to her formal meetings, she will be making an appearance on a popular daytime chat show, hosted by four women.

Significantly, this visit to Turkey has been included in the European leg of Mrs Clinton's week-long tour.

Analysts here see that as a sign the Obama administration plans to revitalise its support for Turkey's EU accession efforts.

It has also been taken as a clear message that the US sees Turkey firmly as a European power - with a very specific role to play in the Middle East.