TURKEY UNWILLING TO REACH FRIENDLY SETTLEMENT ON MINORITY FOUNDATIONS

Anatolia news agency
12 Sep 05

Ankara, 12 September: Turkey has no intention to reach a friendly
settlement agreement at this stage regarding the hearing before the
European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) about real estate held by some
minority foundations, it was reported on Monday [12 September]. The
issue will be debated on 20 September.

Turkish MFA said the ECHR would hear the cases submitted by Yedikule
Surp Pirgic Armenian Hospital Foundation and Fener Greek Boys High
School Foundation, against Turkey.

Sources said MFA requested information, documents and views from
the related institutions pertaining to their allegations, and that
the jurists prepared a document reflecting the views of the Turkish
government.

Sources recalled that ECHR decided to hold a joint hearing on the
two applications, and stated: “Turkey has no intention for a friendly
settlement at this stage.”

The minority foundations claim that articles of the European Convention
on Human Rights about protection of property, anti-discrimination
and on right to a fair judgment, were violated by Turkey.

Related chamber of the ECHR will make its decision at a later date
after listening to the pleas of the lawyers of the foundations and
the Turkish government.