Talks on Turkey’s accession to the EU opened

After long and intense discussion EU FMs came to accord in Luxembourg. Thus, the stalemate situation was overcome: Austria renounced its proposal on «privileged partnership» to Turkey. On the night of October 4 the talks on Turkey’s accession to the EU opened officially. Ankara assessed the beginning of the talks as a huge diplomatic victory. In Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s words, the agreement «fits Turkey’s interests fully.» «Turkey has made historical strides. This achievement belongs to the Turkish people,» Erdogan stated. «This is a really historical day for Europe and the whole international community,» stated the Premier of the UK, which presides at the EU at present. There is «a long way» ahead still, he added. As if confirming it Turkish FM Abdullah Gul did not shake hands with FMs of Austria and Cyprus at the opening ceremony. «I am sure the EU will overcome the distrust towards Turkey,» Gul said. Negotiations will be held from firm positions if necessary, he added, reported RFE/RL.