Turkey's Gul treated for ear ailment

ANKARA, Turkey, Aug. 27 (UPI) -- Turkish President Abdullah Gul underwent surgery for a recurring ear problem Monday, cutting short a trip to Kyrgyzstan for a conference, officials said.

The surgery interrupted Gul's attendance at the Second Summit of the Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States in Bishkek, Today's Zaman reported.

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Gul in the Ankara hospital where the president was receiving treatment , officials said.

Gul underwent inner ear surgery in 2006 after a respiratory infection moved into his ear canals and threatened a loss of hearing.