The EU member states have agreed in principle to open the accession negotiations with Turkey, a new chapter. The talks are expected to begin in the fall. This Germany had proposed after the protests in Istanbul.

The European Union (EU) foreign ministers agreed on Tuesday on the proposed compromise by Germany to the accession talks with Turkey.

According to EU diplomats, the EU countries have agreed after negotiation of the opening of the next chapter in principle, but the necessary accession conference to be held in October. Germany had insisted on this provision. A new chapter of the negotiations is the first time in three years opened.

Given the controversial actions of the Turkish security forces against anti-government protesters, the official launch will be given only in the fall, said a spokeswoman for the Irish EU presidency. Decision should then be made ​​in the light of the new progress report of the European Commission.

The accession negotiations are divided into 35 “chapters”, one of which opened a new total of 14 unanimously by EU governments and only one was already closed. The last issue had been previously opened in June 2010. In autumn it is now to go to regional policy.

As a “good decision in a difficult situation,” German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle welcomed on Tuesday the decision. He had presented the compromise proposal. Shortly before, he had said. “In everything we feel and understand reactions and to see, given the events of recent days, we must not ignore the fact that we indeed have long-term strategic interests”

One would have to take “a diplomatically wise decision.” Turkish diplomats said Ankara would agree with the decision.

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