WRITTEN QUESTION E-2671/02

by Stavros Xarchakos (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(24 September 2002)

Subject: Destruction of the cultural heritage and persecution on the islands of Imbros and Tenedos

According to Christians who were born and until relatively recently lived on the islands of Imbros and Tenedos (which now belong to Turkey), the thousands of Christian inhabitants of the two islands were forced to abandon their homes, while Christian churches were looted and converted into mosques. Until 1964, 9 000 Christians lived on Imbros alone, whereas at the present time they number no more than 200 because of all the forms of persecution they have suffered, the influx of thousands of settlers from Anatolia and the establishment of open prisons (!) on the island for prisoners serving long sentences. The Treaty of Lausanne (which was officially signed by Turkey and has regulated Greek-Turkish relations since 1923) provides for the right to greater self-administration for the two islands, which Turkey has never agreed to implement.

Will the Commission state its views on the implementation of the Treaty of Lausanne by Turkey? Is it aware of the pillaging and destruction of the cultural riches of Imbros and Tenedos? What is its position on the religious repression and the persecution of the Christians of Imbros and Tenedos? I would ask the Commission not to provide yet another general answer concerning the need to encourage amicable relations between Greece and Turkey etc.

Answer given by Mr Verheugen on behalf of the Commission

(4 November 2002)

The monitoring of the implementation of the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne does not fall within the competence of the Commission. However, within the framework of its assessment of the candidate countries' progress towards accession, the Commission monitors closely the situation of ethnic and religious minorities and communities in Turkey. As candidate country, Turkey should comply with the Copenhagen political criteria including the respect for human rights and protection of minorities.

In its Regular Report presented on 9 October 2002, the Commission has noted that non-Moslem religious communities living in Turkey, whether recognised by the Treaty of Lausanne (namely Greeks, Armenians and Jews) or not, have encountered problems, in particular with regard to their lack of legal personality and property rights. There have been cases of confiscation of property and in other cases properties are at risk.

In an effort to remedy some problems related to property rights, the reform package adopted by the Turkish Parliament in August 2002 allows, subject to a number of conditions, certain non-Moslem minorities to acquire, dispose of and register property.

The Commission is aware, however, that the provisions of the reform package do not address all the concerns of the religious minorities in relation to their property rights. In particular, some difficulties in registering property may arise for certain minority institutions whose administration is not recognised by the Turkish authorities. This is, reportedly, the case of several Greek Orthodox institutions, including those in the islands of Imbros and Tenedos mentioned by the Honourable Member.

The Commission will continue to closely monitor all developments concerning the situation of minorities in Turkey, in light of the Copenhagen political criteria.

The Commission expects Turkey to pursue its efforts to comply with the Accession Partnership priorities, including the medium-term requirement to further develop conditions for the enjoyment of freedom of religion.