Pope Expected To Visit Turkey

IZMIR - ''An important gathering will be held between October 10 and 12 in Istanbul, where representatives of three monotheist religions will attend,'' Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew said on Thursday.
Bartholomew visited Space Camp Training Center in Aegean province of Izmir.
Stating that they held various meetings bringing together representatives of Islam, Jewish religion and Christianity, Bartholomew said they were planning another meeting to be held in October 10,11 and 12.
Bartholomew said his visits to some Moslem countries aiming to encourage dialogue between Islam and Christianity would continue.
The patriarch said Greek government led by Prime Minister Costas Caramanlis made efforts to boost Turkish-Greek friendship, stating that the Greek government supported Turkey's Europe vocation.
''This is our conviction that Turkey belongs to Europe. It will meet Copenhagen criteria within a few years and be a full member of European community,'' he noted.
Bartholomew also said Pope Jean Paul II would visit Ankara and Istanbul this year if his health permits.
(AY-ULG) 08.07.2004