Respect for churches in Turkey and the occupied part of Cyprus
26.8.2009
WRITTEN QUESTION E-4223/09
by Athanasios Plevris (EFD)
to the Commission
Greek Christian churches and monuments are being desecrated on a daily basis in Turkey and particularly in the occupied part of Cyprus where they have been converted into animal sheds, cafes and private houses. The situation is appalling and offensive to any Christian European. In addition, the Church of Aghia Sophia in Istanbul is collapsing, and the Turkish State has abandoned it.
In view of the above, will the Commission say:
- 1.What view does it take of the lack of respect shown by Turkey towards Christian places of worship?
- 2.What does it intend to do to protect them?
- 3.Why does it not demand that all Christian places of worship be once more used as churches, including Aghia Sophia, since it was built to be a Christian place of worship, and not a mosque or a museum?
OJ C 10 E, 14/01/2011