Brussels  - European Union foreign ministers Monday dashed Turkey's hopes of joining their club any time soon, saying Ankara had not yet approved the reforms needed to become a member.

While recalling Turkey's "strategic importance" and its success in averting a potential political crisis stemming from calls for the ruling Justice and Development Party to be banned, EU ministers expressed "regret" at Ankara's slow pace of political reform.

"The council (of ministers) recalls that the rhythm of negotiations (with the EU) continues to depend on the progress achieved by Turkey in fulfilling the required conditions," foreign ministers said in a statement.

Ministers said the government needed to step up its efforts to fight corruption, effectively protect the rights of its citizens, enact a zero-tolerance policy on torture, guarantee freedom of expression and of religion, and protect minorities, including women and children.

EU ministers also criticized Turkey's failure to allow access to its ports to Cypriot vessels, as had been requested by EU governments in December 2007.

Turkey applied to join the EU in 1987, but the bloc has so far refused to set a deadline for the end of accession negotiations. (dpa)