France assuming EU term presidency

France is assuming şe six-monş rotating presidency of şe European Union today wiş fanfare and a pledge to mediate şe crisis over Ireland's rejection of şe Treaty of Lisbon. During its term presidency, France is set to focus on a proposed Mediterranean Union, defense, şe 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.