Title

Religious Freedom in Turkey

Tuesday, April 12, 2005
2200 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
United States
Official Transcript: 
Members: 
Name: 
Hon. Chris Smith
Title Text: 
Co-Chairman
Body: 
Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
Statement: 
Witnesses: 
Name: 
Merve Kavakci
Title: 
Former Member
Body: 
Turkish Grand National Assembly
Name: 
Rev. Fr. Vertanes Kalayjian
Body: 
Armenian Orthodox Church
Name: 
Van Krikorian
Body: 
Turkish-Armenian Reconciliation Commission
Name: 
Barry Jacobs
Body: 
American Jewish Committee
Name: 
Jeff King
Title: 
President
Body: 
International Christian Concern
Statement: 

Helsinki Commission Staff Advisor, Elizabeth Pryor, presented an opportunity for discussion on the situation faced by Muslims, Protestants, members of the Armenian Orthodox Church, and the Jewish community in the Republic of Turkey. Numerous injustices that occurred in spite of significant steps taken by the government to improve conditions for the enjoyment of religious liberty were addressed.

Witnesses testifying at the hearing – including Marve Kavakci, Former Member of the Turkish Grand National Assembly; Rev. Fr. Vertanes Kalayjian, Pastor of St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church and Representative of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America; Van Krikorian, Founding Member of the Turkish-Armenian Reconciliation Commission; Jeff King, President of the International Christian Concern; and Barry Jacobs, Director of Strategic Studies for the Office of Government and International Affairs  American Jewish Committee – presented testimonies regarding personal experiences with religious injustice in an effort to encourage Congress to urge Turkish officials to adhere to principles of religious freedoms.

Relevant countries: 
Leadership: 
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