European Union leaders agreed this week to open negotiations with Turkey next year on eventual EU membership, but the Turkish premier says more talks are needed before his country could accept the offer.
Despite widespread public opposition, the 25 EU leaders proposed Oct. 3, 2005, as the start date for the talks, which are expected to last for years. Turkey had hoped for a start date in April.
The offer would require Turkey to grant recognition of a Greek Cypriot-led Cyprus by the time the talks begin -- something the Turks have refused to do. Cyprus joined the EU last May.