Turkish and European Union officials are meeting Monday in Ankara to discuss Turkey's progress in making reforms ahead of EU membership talks scheduled for later this year.

EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn is expected to press Turkey to sign a protocol that will amount to a de-facto recognition of Cyprus' internationally-recognized Greek government.  

Turkey must sign the protocol before formal EU membership talks can begin on October third.  Ankara previously refused to recognize the Greek government of Cyprus, which joined the EU last May.  Turkey is the only country in the world that recognizes the government of the Turkish-ruled part of Cyprus.

Mr. Rehn is also expected to push Ankara to continue with efforts to stop torture, improve freedom of expression, and increase the rights of women and the Kurdish minority.