ISTANBUL - A five-member delegation headed by Mehmet Elkatmis, the chairman of the Parliamentary Human Rights Inquiry Commission, met on Thursday with Armenian Patriarch Mesrob II.
Addressing journalists following the meeting, Elkatmis said, ''we held a very beneficial meeting. We consider religious freedoms the most important human rights.''
Recalling that there had been some religious communities in Turkey, which were called as ''minority'', Elkatmis said, ''we do not consider them minority. Instead, we accepted them as a part of us. We came here to listen to their complaints, requests and problems. As the Parliamentary Human Rights Inquiry Commission, we want to hold talks with our citizens. Patriarch Mesrob II informed us on problems of these communities in their daily life. Our commission will take necessary measures to this end.''
Upon a question, Elkatmis enumerated some of these problems as follows: education of clergymen and obtaining real property.''
When asked whether or not his visit was regarded with Turkey's adjustment efforts with the European Union (EU), Elkatmis said, ''our visit is not related with the EU adjustment efforts.''
He added that they would also hold talks with Chief Rabbi Ishak Haleva, Turkish Orthodox Patriarch Umit Erenerol and directors of Iho and Agos newspapers.
Meanwhile, Patriarch Mesrob II said in his part that he had been serving as patriarch for 25 years.
He thanked political parties having seats at the parliament and parliamentarians for their close interest in minority communities and their problems.
(UK-AÖ) 26.06.2003