Clinton makes Mideast introductory calls

WASHINGTON, Jan. 24 (UPI) -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has made many introductory telephone calls to world leaders since her confirmation Thursday, officials said.

Among those she has called are Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and Defense Minister Ehud Barak, as well as Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Jordan's King Abdullah and the foreign ministers of Egypt and Saudi Arabia, CNN reported Saturday.

Acting State Department spokesman Robert Wood told reporters Clinton has also spoken with Afghan President Hamid Karzai, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and India's foreign minister.

Clinton met Friday with visiting female Afghan legal professionals, including 14 judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys, the broadcaster said.