Turkey gives EU a ‘bitter pill’ over Cyprus

EU leaders and Turkey have made the historic decision to start membership talks next year, but the latest candidate immediately stirred up a row.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern described as a “bitter pill” statements made by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan immediately after the 25 had agreed to open negotiations.

Negotiations came close to breaking down a number of times over the final 24 hours. Many members have reservations because the country is largely in Asia, and its mostly Muslim population will be the largest of any EU country.