President Talks Iraq with Leaders of Turkey, Canada

EDGARTOWN, Mass. (AP) — The White House says President Barack Obama has discussed the situation in Iraq with the leaders of Turkey and Canada.

The White House says Obama and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan (REH'-jehp TY'-ihp UR'-doh-wahn) agreed on the importance of closely cooperating on the situation in Iraq, as well as on Syria. Obama also congratulated Erdogan on becoming Turkey's first directly elected president, a step the U.S. president gives him "an historic opportunity to further move Turkey forward."

Obama also spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. The White House says the two leaders agreed to work with other partners in the international community to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to civilians in Iraq.

Obama made the calls from Martha's Vineyard, the Massachusetts island where he's spending two weeks on vacation.