Cicek said negotiations were at a very sensitive point and urged EU leaders to "act calmly and with integrity."

In a concession to Turkey, ministers signaled the need for the bloc to end the economic isolation of the breakaway Turkish-Cypriot state in the north of the divided island nation.

Foreign ministers sought Monday to balance diverging opinions within the EU between those who wanted stronger action, and those led by Britain, Sweden and Spain who worried a tough approach would alienate Turkey.

"There is every prospect that things will work steadily and effectively to make Turkey, in the fullness of time, a member of the European Union," said British Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett.

The debate reflected wider doubts within the EU over whether the bloc wants the nation of 71 million people to join.

Supporters, including the United States, see it as a chance to anchor a strategically important and moderate Muslim nation in the camp of Western democracies.

Opponents fear Turkey's historical and cultural differences risk slowing the drive to build a united Europe. They point to continued concerns over democracy and human rights in Turkey, and say the nation's relative poverty will lead to mass westward immigration and huge strains on EU finances.

Despite its hard line over the Cypriot issue, Greece insisted it wants its regional rival to join the EU. Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis said the EU should show Turkey that the way to membership is open if it follows EU rules.

"Turkey's full compliance will mean its full accession," she told reporters. "It's now up to Turkey."

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