B3-1262 and 1278/93

Resolution on the acts of desecration at the Christian cemetery of Neohorion (Yeniköy) in Istanbul

The European Parliament,

A.alarmed by the acts of desecration at the Christian cemetery of Neohorion (Yeniköy) in Istanbul,

B.whereas acts of this kind directly undermine the tranquillity and security of the Greek Orthodox minority which remained in Istanbul following the persecutions of 1955,

C.having regard to its resolution of 18 April 1991 concerning the setting on fire of a bus carrying orthodox believers to Istanbul,

D.having regard to the relevant provisions of the Treaty of Lausanne, the Paris Charter and of other international instruments regarding the protection of the rights of minorities in Europe,

1.Calls on the authorities to shed light on these incidents and to prosecute those responsible and condemns strongly any act which is the result of religious fanaticism which infringes fundamental human rights;

2.Points out that this climate of insecurity and of flagrant violations of the fundamental rights of minorities undermines relations between Turkey and the EC;

3.Calls upon the Turkish authorities to take the necessary measures for the protection and peaceful existence of the Greek Orthodox minority and to repair the damage caused by the desecration of the cemetery;

4.Requests EPC to appeal to the Turkish Government to establish the necessary security for the Greek minority of Istanbul and wishes this matter also to be referred to the EEC-Turkey Cooperation Council;

5.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, EPC, the governments of the Member States, the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople and to the Turkish Government.