Positive signal from Fule in Turkey's membership talks

A positive signal came out on Monday from the informal ministerial meeting of the EU to open new chapter headings with Turkey. Speaking at a press conference following the meeting, EU commissioner for enlargement Stefan Fule said that no chapter headings had been opened with Turkey in the last five EU term presidencies. Fule added that Monday's meeting showed that EU member states were willing to recover Turkey's membership talks by opening new chapter headings. "The reform process in Turkey constituted a sound basis to open new chapters and the reforms are the pushing force of the membership negotiations. Opening chapters regarding basic rights would be for the interest of not only Turkey but also the EU, "Fule added. For her part, Minister of State for European Affairs of Ireland Lucinda Creighton said that relations between Turkey and the EU were vital due to many reasons, adding that Turkey's commitment to its reform process should continue. Creighton also expressed hope that the process with Turkey will make progress during Ireland's term presidency.