By CONSTANT BRAND, Associated Press Writer
BRUSSELS, Belgium - The European Union and Turkey reached a historic agreement Friday to begin talks next year aimed at bringing the populous Muslim nation into the EU after hammering out a compromise over Ankara's relationship with Cyprus.

Turkey accepted an offer from the 25 EU leaders during their two-day summit to begin talks on Oct. 3, 2005, launching a process that could take years and could transform the political and social landscape of both parties.

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