BRUSSELS - EU foreign ministers reached a partial deal on Turkey in EU General Affairs Council in Brussels. They agreed in principle to freeze 8 of the 35 chapters (of Turkey`s EU entry talks) within the scope of the European Commission`s proposal, sources said on Monday.
EU countries have been searching for an agreement on possible sanctions against Ankara (Turkish government) on the ground that it did not fully implement the additional protocol to the Ankara Agreement. EU leaders agreed on suspension of 8 of 35 chapters and they are also working on other possible penalties.
Austria, Greece and the Greek Cypriot administration consider that a definite date must be set for Turkey on implementation of the additional protocol.
On the other hand, some EU countries proposed that "positive signals" on lifting of commercial isolations imposed on Turkish Cypriots should be given.