Thursday, April 14, 2005

American Congressman Applauds Turkish Efforts on Religious Freedom

"Turkey's current government has taken "significant steps" in support of religious liberties, according to Christopher H. Smith, the co-chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, who addressed a hearing on religious freedom in Turkey April 12.

Smith, a Republican congressman from New Jersey, said he applauded Turkey's efforts to bring its legal system into conformity with Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) commitments on religious freedom. However, "there are important areas still requiring close attention and urgent action," he added, citing in particular Turkey's system of regulating religious groups, the loss of important religious properties through government expropriations, and the difficulties meeting openly that protestant and evangelical groups are experiencing."
.: US News :. .: All American Patriots :.

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