Anatolia news agency, Ankara
28 Sep 05

US OFFICIAL MEETS RELIGIOUS REPRESENTATIVES IN TURKEY

Istanbul, 28 September: Karen Hughes, undersecretary in charge of
public diplomacy at the US Department of State, has met religious
representatives in Istanbul today.

Hughes met the Istanbul Director of Religious Affairs Mustafa
Cagrici, Vatican’s Representative in Turkey George Marovich, Turkish
Armenians Patriarch Mesrob Mutafyan, Turkish Rabbi Ishak Haleva,
Turkish Asyrian Orthodox Deputy Patriarch Yusuf Cetin and Fener Greek
Patriarchate Spokesman Peder Dositheos at the Topkapi Palace.

Hughes told reporters before holding a meeting with the religious
representatives that it was US President George Bush’s wish for her
to meet with religious representatives. “This is because the
religious leaders can offer a hand to thousands and can contribute to
a multi-religious atmosphere,” said Hughes.

Huges stated that, although she has been in Turkey for a little
while, she has been impressed by Turkish warmth and hospitality. “We
are identical in many ways. Our peoples give high priority to
democracy, family life and religion,” stressed Hughes.

Huges noted that the American people appreciate the aid sent to the
US after the devastating Hurricane Katrina.

Istanbul Director of Religious Affairs Mustafa Cagrici has commented
that Turkey and the US are identical societies which value democracy
and family life.

Turkish Armenians Patriarch Mesrob Mutafyan has indicated that the
clash of civilizations between the West and East is a matter of
concern for his church. “We have to discuss ways to prevent clashes.
For this reason, I find it highly essential to continue meetings of
religious leaders,” told Mutafyan.

Vatican’s Turkey Representative George Marovich has noted that Turkey
is like a garden of different flowers. “In the 1800s, the Ottoman
Sultan ordered the construction of a mosque, synagogue and church
next to each other. Such a practice did not exist in Europe then.
Such a tolerance comes from the Holy Qu’ran.”

Karen Hughes commented after the meeting that Turkey and its society
will be a source of inspiration for the rest of the world with regard
to tolerance.