BRUSSELS, Sept. 21 (Xinhuanet) -- The European Union on Wednesday agreed on a key declaration, paving the way for the start of Turkey's accession negotiations on Oct. 3.

    "The agreement between the member states paves the way for a smooth adoption of the negotiating framework and thus the opening of the accession negotiations with Turkey on Oct. 3," said Olli Rehn, EU commissioner for enlargement.

    After weeks of talks, EU member states agreed on a common response to Ankara's refusal to recognize Cyprus, an EU member since 2004.

    The EU members tell Ankara that it would have to recognize Cyprus before its actual accession, which analysts say may happen in 10 years' time or probably later.

    "Recognition of all member states is a necessary component of the accession process," the EU governments said in a joint declaration issued Wednesday.

    Now the EU member states have to agree on a negotiation framework for the talks with Turkey. Enditem