Schroeder says Turkey EU talks certain to start

BRUSSELS, Dec 17 (AFP) - German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said Friday he was sure the EU would start membership talks with Turkey next October 3, after leaders agreed a compromise accord clearing the way for the negotiations.
"The central question which concerned us has been positively decided. There remain a few details to resolve. It is certain that we will open accession negotiations on October 3," he told reporters.
He was talking after EU leaders resolved an impasse which had threatened to block accord on Turkey's hopes, notably focussed on EU calls for Ankara to recognize Cyprus, the diplomats said.

12/17/2004 15:11 GMT - AFP