Mr. Simitis' speech focused on the Cyprus problem, Greek-Turkish relations, the Balkans and Middle East peace efforts.
Turkey wants to move closer to Europe.
Turkey signed a key customs union with the European Union in 1996 as a prelude to possible full membership but Greece succeeded in blocking funds to Ankara due to flow from the pact. Diplomats say Ankara is increasingly hinting that it could now block plans to expand NATO into eastern Europe unless the EU delivers on its promises of closer ties. Mr. Kranidiotis said he thought the time was now right for an international push to solve the Cyprus problem, but said talks on the island's accession to the European Union, due to start six months after the EU concludes this year's treaty review, shou ld not be made conditional on a solution having been found. German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel said on Monday that Cyprus should not join until the dispute was settled. The palaestra was discovered during works for the planned Goulandris museum of modern art, with the 15-member Council agreeing in principle on the display of findings from the site in the basement of the future museum as the best solution.