ISTANBUL - Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate condemned on Sunday the protest staged by nationalist groups in front of the Patriarchate.
The patriarchate issued a written statement and expressed sorrow over the incidents which occurred in front of the building.
The statement said, ''the protests were the result of the provocations of people aiming to block Turkey's EU path. Security forces intervened in time and keep the incidents getting worst. We condemn such kind of meaningless acts of violence.''
''We stress once again that we believe in the EU membership of our country and continue to support it,'' the statement said.
A group of nationalists staged a protest outside the Patriarchate on Sunday asking for the re-opening of ''Gate of Hatred'' that has remained shut for 183 years.
Yuksel Kaleci, the Chairman of the Istanbul Nationalists Association, made a press statement on behalf of the 500-strong group which gathered in front of the Patriarchate.
Kaleci claimed that Turkey was under the occupation of the United States and the EU as a result of the wrong foreign policy of the governmental Justice and Development Party (AK Party).
Turkey is making concession after concession to foreigners and especially to the Patriarchate, Yuksel Kaleci claimed.
Police warned the group to disperse but later intervened and used tear gas against the demonstrators as the group did not abide by the call and threw them stones.
(AY-ULG) 06.09.2004