Delegation From Orthodox Church In America Visits Istanbul Governor Guler

ISTANBUL - A delegation from the Orthodox Church in America visited on Friday Istanbul Governor Muammer Guler.
Following the meeting, Anthony J. Limberakis, the chairman of the delegation, told reporters that they would have some meetings in Istanbul.
Asked whether or not Heybeliada seminary was brought onto the agenda during their meeting with Guler, Limberakis stressed that Turkey was a country which supported freedom of religions and said that reopening of seminary meant this tolerance would continue.
Limberakis said that he hoped that this seminary would be reopened and added that he thought that Turkish Prime Minister and government were exerting efforts on this issue.
Stating that he believed that opening of the seminary would also strengthen image of Turkey abroad, Limberakis said that positive steps on opening of Heybeliada seminary which were taken in Turkey were pleasing. He added that it would also help Turkey's membership to the European Union (EU).
(EÖ-AÖ) 06.02.2004