Europe may change relationship with Turkey

VIENNA, Aug. 31 (UPI) -- European Union leaders said Wednesday they want to expand options for the results of upcoming talks about Turkey's membership, the EU Observer reports.

Formal EU-membership negotiations for Turkey are expected to start Oct. 3.

Informal talks begin Thursday in Wales with Turkey expected to dominate.

Austria's Foreign Minister, Ursula Plassnik, echoed French officials calling for the possibility of a middle ground if full-fledged membership isn't given to Turkey.

They said they want a partnership between Turkey and the EU at a level below full membership to be an option.

The European Commission this summer called for eventual full Turkish membership without any middle ground.

All EU states have to approve the change.

France has criticized Turkey for refusing to officially recognize Cyprus, an EU member state.

Many EU states, including Cyprus, have said the recognition issue isn't a membership deal-breaker.

French Europe Minister Catherine Colonna said Tuesday the process for Turkey's full membership will be a long one.