The European Union could be ready to start accession talks with Turkey as early as next January. Negotiations could take seven years. If successful, it would mean the EU's new neighbours would be Iran, Iraq and Syria. The big question: how France would vote at the December summit, where decisions require unanimity. Paris's position on Turkish membership remains ambiguous. "Ambiguous" is a dangerous position for France on this issue. It must decide for itself, and soon. EU could hold talks with Turkey next year | 
