"EU takes step on Turkey, low-key on enlargement
13.06.2005 - 15:52
By Paul Taylor
LUXEMBOURG (Reuters) - The European Union took a fresh step on Monday toward opening accession talks with Turkey but agreed to keep its commitment to further enlargement low-key after French and Dutch voters rejected the EU constitution.
EU foreign ministers approved a protocol adapting a customs union with Turkey to the 10 new member states, including Cyprus, bringing membership negotiations with Ankara a big step closer.
Once Turkey signs the document, as it has promised to do as soon as the final text arrives from Brussels, it will have met all conditions set by EU leaders for starting talks on Oct. 3."
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