Ali Babacan, Türkiye's state minister and chief EU negotiator, announced in Ankara that both the introductory and detailed screening phases covering all 35 chapters of EU regulations are on track to conclude by 13 October 2006.
Speaking at a news conference held at the Treasury Undersecretariat, Babacan noted that the screening process had been under way since 20 October 2005, and that detailed reviews of 18 chapters had already been finished.
Active negotiations have opened on two chapters, education and culture, and science and technology. Türkiye has prepared and submitted its negotiating position documents on both to the European Union.
Babacan also pointed to economic benefits tied to Türkiye's EU membership prospect, citing direct foreign investment inflows that reached 9.7 billion USD in 2005.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in June 2006, in its own words.