Risky decision over accession talks could turn sour

The European Union's decision to open membership talks with Turkey was always a gamble. Looking at the situation in the autumn of 2006, it looks like it may not come off. That is the subtext of a long-awaited European Commission report to be publised 8 November 2006 that sets the scene for a showdown between EU leaders over the future of Ankara's European aspirations.