(DIP) U.S. AMBASSADOR: VISIT OF GEN. PETRAEUS NOT RELATED WITH U.S. WITHDRAWAL FROM IRAQ.

IZMIR, Jun 30, 2009 (TUR) -- The U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, James Jeffrey, said the visit of the Commander of U.S Central Command Gen. David Howell Petraeus was not in anyway related with withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq.

Ambassador Jeffrey who launched the virtual consulate (Virtual Presence Post) of the U.S. (http://izmir.usvpp.gov) at a meeting in the Izmir Chamber of Commerce, replied to rumors that Gen. Petraeus's visit concerned the U.S. demand from Turkey regarding withdrawal of U.S. troops in Iraq over Turkish territory.

Jeffrey who underlined that no concrete plans were yet made for withdrawal of U.S. troops, said there has been no talks between the two countries regarding this.

Jeffery said General Petraeus's area of command covered the Middle East and Central Asia, which Turkey showed close interest in. He said the U.S. worked together against the terrorist organization PKK, and in Afghanistan adding that his visit was mainly concerning these topics.

-THE U.S VIRTUAL PRESENT POST (VPP)-

According to a statement on Monday, with the launch of such web-sites, the U.S. embassy intends to extend its engagement and dialogue with Turkish cities, regions or specific communities where it has limited or no physical diplomatic facilities.

The VPP web-site and concept would use a mix of traditional diplomacy such as speaker programs and visits by officials to these cities, and modern technologies, including branded web-sites, e-mail, DVCs and on-line web chats.

The VPP Izmir site will provide information on U.S. government services in Izmir, including the Consular Agent, U.S. Foreign Commercial Office and U.S. citizen services.

In addition, the site will be a source of information about U.S.-sponsored events in Izmir such as the American Corner, as well as information about the Izmir municipality, tourist resources and sister cities links with cities in the Izmir region.

(THROUGH ASIA PULSE)