EU to open two more chapters in Turkey's accession negotiations

The 27-member bloc will officially open the chapters in Friday's intergovernmental conference in Brussels, which will be attended by Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan.�

The EU has regularly opened only two chapters in Turkey's accession negotiations in each presidency term. France hands the presidency to Czech Republic at the end of December.

Some countries, Greek Cypriots in particular, blocked France's efforts to open the "energy" chapter, sources also told ANKA. The opening of the negotiation on the "energy" chapter is seen as important since the EU sees Turkey as a key partner in its efforts to diversify energy supply routes.

The two new chapters will bring the total number of chapters opened to 10 out of the 35, with only one successfully closed.

Eight chapters in the negotiations were suspended due to Turkey's refusal to open its ports to Greek Cypriot vessels before the EU eases its isolation on the Turkish community on the island.