Cohen sets off for Gulf tour

The United States Defence Secretary, William Cohen leaves Washington today Wednedsay for a tour of nine Gulf and Middle East countries.

He's expected to discuss security and other regional issues with his counterparts.

No firm details have been given of Mr Cohen's schedule - the US has maintained heightened security measures in the region since the attack on an American warship - the Cole - in the Yemeni port of Aden last month.

Seventeen U.S. sailors were killed.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service