Anadolu Agency (AA), Turkey
Tuesday
Turkish minorities 'free' to follow faith
Joint declaration by minority groups says allegations of victimization baseless
By Murat Paksoy and Hanife Sevinc
ISTANBUL
Representatives of minority communities on Tuesday said they were free to follow their faith in Turkey, denying allegations that they were being victimized.
In a joint declaration, Turkey's minority community representatives — including followers of the Greek Orthodox and Armenian churches — said that people of different faiths live "freely".
"We as religious representatives and foundation directors of societies of different religions and beliefs, who have been settled in this country for centuries, are free to follow our beliefs and practices," the declaration reads.
"Statements that claim and/or imply that there is pressure [on people of other faiths] are totally unfounded and misdirected," it added.
"Many difficulties and unjust treatment experienced in the past have been resolved over time."
The statement added they are "constantly in consultation" with the government which resolves their problems through "mutual goodwill".
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