CDA DISCUSSES RELIGIOUS FREEDOM WITH MINISTER AYDIN

C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 005632

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/SE

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/23/2015
TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM TU OSCE
SUBJECT: CDA DISCUSSES RELIGIOUS FREEDOM WITH MINISTER AYDIN

REF: ANKARA 2313

Classified by CDA Nancy E. McEldowney; reasons 1.4 b and d.


1. (U) Summary: CDA emphasized to State Minister Aydin during
a September 21 meeting the importance the USG places on
religious freedom, and asked if he would join her in efforts
to promote religious tolerance in Turkey. Aydin averred that
he supports such efforts in principle, but they are
politically difficult given the plight of Muslims in Western
countries. CDA told Aydin the 2005 International Religious
Freedom Report will be critical of Turkey. End Summary.


2. (U) CDA told Aydin, who oversees the GOT's Religious
Affairs Directorate, that it is important for political
leaders to demonstrate leadership by publicly supporting
religious tolerance and acceptance of all faiths. CDA noted
that on September 11, she participated in a ceremony at a
memorial to Turkish security forces killed by terrorists.
This type of gesture emphasizes the shared U.S.-Turkish
struggle against terrorism. She asked whether Aydin would
join her in similar efforts to express shared respect for
religious freedom and diversity.


3. (U) Aydin averred that he supports such efforts in
principle. However, politics places some restraints on what
he can do. It would be politically difficult for him to
publicly defend the rights of Christians in Turkey when
Muslims face discrimination in Western countries. He noted
that Ambassador Edelman had invited him to join him in a
visit to a Protestant church in Ankara that had been
firebombed (reftel). Aydin claimed that he "would gladly
go," if only, for example, government officials in Holland
would denounce the attacks on mosques in their country. He
also said the Greek Government restricts the religious rights
of the Muslim minority in Thrace, and asked why Christian
leaders in Turkey do not denounce that situation. CDA
replied that reciprocity is often cited in politics, but
sometimes officials have to demonstrate leadership and take
certain positions because they are right, regardless of the
criticism they will draw from some quarters.


4. (U) CDA noted that the Appeal of Conscience Foundation is
organizing a conference in Istanbul in November to promote
interfaith dialogue, and that U/S for Public Diplomacy and
Public Affairs Hughes will meet with representatives of
different religions during her upcoming visit to Turkey.


5. (U) CDA told Aydin that the 2005 International Religious
Freedom Report (IRF) will be released soon. This year's
report will be critical of Turkey. The 2004 report noted
improvements in respect for religious freedom, thanks to
several legislative reforms. This year's report, however,
will be different. This is largely due to the GOT's
anti-missionary campaign, which coincided with an increase in
threats against Christians and vandalism of churches.


6. (U) Aydin noted that Ambassador Edelman had already told
him this year's report would be critical (reftel). He
averred that in the past, when religious minorities in the
U.S. had no problems, Turks took the IRF seriously. Now, he
claimed, the U.S. is no better off than Turkey. "Muslims (in
the U.S.) are dragged from their homes in the middle of the
night," he said. "We are in the same boat." As a result, no
one in Turkey pays attention to the IRF anymore.
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Comment
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7. (C) Aydin, a theology scholar, can talk a good game on
religious tolerance, but it has become clear to us that he is
not sincere. Though others in the Turkish government may
prove more receptive, we do not expect him to support our
efforts to promote religious tolerance.

MCELDOWNEY