France assuming EU term presidency

France is assuming the six-month rotating presidency of the European Union today with fanfare and a pledge to mediate the crisis over Ireland's rejection of the Treaty of Lisbon. During its term presidency, France is set to focus on a proposed Mediterranean Union, defense, the fight against illegal immigration, energy policy, and rising oil prices. Meanwhile, Ankara is urging France to treat its EU candidacy fairly and objectively, as well as to open two chapters for negotiations.