Saturday, March 11, 2006

Religious freedom in Turkey under EU microscope

"Ankara knows all too well that it is just a matter of time before such thorny issues as religious freedoms and human rights come up for discussion. For the Alevis, a cultural and religious group facing religious discrimination in Turkey, there is hope that the negotiations will bring needed relief."

"Thus far, Brussels has treaded carefully with regard to issues of religious freedom in Turkey, and has preferred to approach the Alevis' status piecemeal. Over eighty thousand pages of EU rules and regulations must be made a part of Turkish law before actual membership, however the spirit of the law is just as important, and Turkey's commitment to upholding human rights and religious freedoms will be watched carefully by many, both in and outside of Brussels."
World Peace Herald

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