French President Jacques Chirac gestures during his speech at the annual conference of France's ambassador's at the Elysee Palace

French President Jacques Chirac says Turkey must negotiate with all 25 nations in the European Union, including Cyprus, during membership talks set for October.

Mr. Chirac Monday said Ankara must clarify its position on the Greek Cypriot government and assure the bloc it is willing to fully respect its EU commitments.

Last month, Turkey extended its customs union with EU states to the 10 members admitted last year, including Cyprus, but later insisted that did not amount to recognition of the internationally-backed government. Ankara supports Turkish Cypriots on the divided island.

The EU's top executive body Monday said Turkey would be negotiating with all 25 member states during accession talks. She said EU foreign ministers will discuss the issue later this week.