[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 80 (Wednesday, June 22, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 22, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
  RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE DIRECTED AGAINST ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY IN THE 
                            NATION OF TURKEY

 Mr. D'AMATO. Mr. President, I rise today to comment on the 
present state of religious persecution that exists in the nation of 
Turkey. This persecution has been directed against Orthodox 
Christianity, and more specifically, the Ecumenical Patriarchate of 
Constantinople. The Turkish press and leading Turkish citizens have 
been relentless in their verbal attacks on the spiritual leader of 
Orthodox Christianity, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Sadly, the 
situation has recently turned violent. Incidents include fire bomb 
attacks on the Patriarchate and the desecration of both cemeteries and 
churches.
  Even more disturbing than the intolerance in Turkey proper, is the 
continued de-Christianization of occupied Cyprus. In July 1974, Turkey 
occupied the region and began a systematic eradication of Christianity. 
Since that time, the Christian population has been expelled, Christian 
Orthodox Churches have been converted into mosques, and about 80,000 
Turkish Moslem settlers have been transferred to the area.
  Turkey is a United States ally, receiving significant military and 
economic aid. In deciding upon future aid to this Government, we must 
keep in mind Turkey's record on human rights and religious freedom. The 
continued persecution is deplorable, and the United States must send a 
signal to the Turkish Government that such actions will not be 
condoned.

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