Turkey offered historic deal to start talks about joining EU

On 16 December 2004 Turkey was offered a historic deal to start talks to join the European Union, putting it on course to become part of the bloc after more than 40 years of waiting. Discussion between EU leaders on finalising the offer would continue. EU leaders warned Turkey that it would have to take steps to recognise Cyprus before the talks started. October 2005 was suggested as a possible start to the negotiations.

EUobserver.com, 17.12.04: Turkey and EU agree terms of membership talks http://euobserver.com/?sid=9&aid=18039

BBC News, 17.12.04: 'Deal struck' in Turkey-EU talks http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4103931.stm

Euobserver, 17.12.04: Turkey to start EU membership talks http://euobserver.com/?sid=9&aid=18033

BBC News, 17.12.04: EU-Turkey talks set for October http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4103397.stm

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