The EU agreed to open accession talks with Turkey late on Monday (3 October) evening on what was termed a "truly historic day" by UK foreign secretary Jack Straw.
A visibly relieved Mr Straw announced the deal on the negotiating framework at a foreign ministers' meeting in Luxembourg, stating "I am very pleased that we have reached agreement".
"We owe this to Turkey . . . It's going to be a long road ahead but bringing Turkey into the EU is a prize worth striving for", he added...
Back our independent journalism by becoming a supporting member
Already a member? Login here