91998E3581

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3581/98

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(3 December 1998)

Subject: Measures by the Turkish authorities against the Theological School of Chalki

The Turkish authorities have abolished the Supervisory Committee of the Theological School of Chalki with the dual objective of weakening the Oecumenical Patriarchate and intimidating Greeks in Turkey so that they withdraw from the administrative boards of foundations which administer Greek property and it becomes vacant.

Patriarch Bartholomaios has condemned this measure, and the American Administration has already announced its intention of making representations to Turkey about it.

Since the latest unacceptable measures taken against the Patriarchate by the Turkish authorities represent a flagrant violation of human rights, religious freedom, equality before the law and justice, will the Commission say whether it intends to condemn them and take whatever steps are necessary to enable the Theological School of Chalki to function again and to obtain the revocation of the decision abolishing the Supervisory Committee of the School?

Joint answer

to Written Questions E-3566/98 and E-3581/98 given by Mr van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

(23 December 1998)

The Commission is aware of the recent dismissal of the board of directors of the Chalki theological school in Istanbul.

The Commission is concerned by these new developments which have inevitable consequences for human rights in Turkey and in particular for the situation of religious minorities in that country.

The Commission closely follows all aspects of the situation of human rights in Turkey. In its first regular report on progress made by Turkey towards accession, adopted on 4 November 1998, the Commission underlined the problems presented in this regard and the necessity to improve the current situation. In this context, the Commission fully agrees with the conclusions of the European Council held in Luxembourg in December 1997 and which recalled that "strengthening Turkey's links with the European Union also depends on that country's pursuit of the political reforms on which it has embarked, including the respect for and protection of minorities ... ."

In all its contacts with the Turkish authorities, and despite the decision taken by Ankara to suspend any political dialogue with the Union, the Commission is determined to continue to express its concerns on these matters.