The EU's Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER), in its last session under EU Finnish presidency, reached agreement on Wednesday for the opening of the "Industry-Businesses" chapter in the European Union's accession talks with Turkey.

This chapter is included among the 26 chapters which, as decided at the General Affairs Council on December 11, unanimously open but do not close until Turkey abides by its obligations towards the EU.

On the basis of the foreseen procedure, decision was reached for sending a letter to Turkey which calls on Ankara to submit its positions so that the "25" decide on their joint position, in order for the procedure to proceed in the coming period for the opening and negotiation of the "Industry-Businesses" chapter.

Greece's and Cyprus' representatives appeared satisfied from the development of Wednesday's discussions.

At the session, Greece's Permanent Representative Vassilis Kaskarelis rejected claims by Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul who during a press conference he gave on Tuesday said that "the EU is in a situation of deep depression and complete confusion."

Kaskarelis stressed that this message should be made clear to Ankara through the EU's decision for the opening of chapters.

Source: Athens News Agency

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