Prime Minister Ehud Olmert heads to Turkey this week, where he will ask Israel’s closest Muslim ally to help in the international effort to curb Iran’s nuclear program, officials said.

AMMAN, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) — Visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday called here on Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to abide by the Mecca agreements and form an efficient Palestinian government.

President George Bush has sought to play down suggestions of a strike against Iran amid tension over Tehran’s alleged involvement in Iraq’s violence.