World Bulletin / News Desk

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon has confirmed that US President Barack Obama will attend the 2nd Alliance of Civilizations Forum to be organized in İstanbul on April 6-7, 2009, reported Turkey's state media.

Ban Ki-Moon had a brief meeting with President Obama at the White House on Thursday, where he pointed to the importance of his participation to the İstanbul leg of Alliance of Civilizations Forum.

UN Secretary General said following the first Forum held last year in Spain's Madrid, the Alliance of Civilizations process will take a huge stride forward with The President attending the İstanbul Forum.

According to Ban Ki-Moon, the second Forum will constitute a favourable opportunity to talk over the differing opinions on world matters and to enhance mutual understanding between religions and traditions of the world.

In the meantime circles in Ankara are speculating about a possible speech by Barack Obama at the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA).

Speaker of the TGNA, Köksal Toptan said that nothing has been confirmed so far, and that technical details are being discussed with officials. When asked how he would feel about Barack Obama delivering a speech at the assemply, Toptan said he would welcome such an occasion.

Güncelleme Tarihi: 14 Mart 2009, 12:32