PATRIARCH EXPRESSES APPRECIATION FOR DEPARTMENT

UNCLAS ISTANBUL 002077 SIPDIS SENSITIVE DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/SE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL TU OSCE SUBJECT: PATRIARCH EXPRESSES APPRECIATION FOR DEPARTMENT STATEMENT REF: A. ISTANBUL 1359 ¶B. ISTANBUL 1333 ¶C. ISTANBUL 1199 1, (SBU) During an unscheduled call to conduct routine consular business, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew expressed to us his deep appreciation for the Department's December 5 statement affirming the U.S. view that he is a "religious leader of global standing." "Of course we know this has always been your position," he said, but it was "very useful" to have it written explicity in terms of his effort to influence Turkish public opinion on the issue. ¶2. (U) As part of that effort, the Patriarch has been active on a number of fronts. In a long interview for the daily newspaper "Milliyet" published December 1 and 2, he pressed for the opening of Halki Seminary, stressing that there is no legal hurdle and the problem instead is a lack of "political will." He also reviewed the property issues that beset the church, and explained the origins of the "Ecumenical" title, noting that it was used "during the Byzantine, Ottoman and Republic periods" and asking why it is an issue now. He dismissed the argument that it contravenes the Lausanne Treaty, noting that in any case the treaty was never implemented in full. He also scoffed at the argument that his goal is to recreate Constantinople or to create a Vatican-like structure, noting that "we are devoted to our country, the Republic of Turkey," and have "never created a problem for our country." ¶3. (U) The Patriarch amplified these points in his message on the annual feast of St. Andrew on November 30. Speaking to an invited audience that included prominent business leaders, media, diplomats, cultural figures, representatives of the "World Conference of Religions for Peace" (which held its annual Trustees' meeting in Istanbul),and a Vatican delegation headed by Cardinal Kasper, Bartholomew outlined the history of his See, and argued that according to the tradition in Western countries (and pointedly in those that "follow their example),a country "will not interfere in the internal affairs of the various religions within its polity, for it respects their self-governance and...remains tolerant." He stressed that the Patriarchate does not become involved in politics, but does advocate on behalf of human rights and "an amelioration of the circumstances of human life." In closing he expressed support for Turkey's European vocation, underscoring his belief that through EU accession "not only shall religious freedom be better protected," but "minority issues (shall) be dealt with more effectively," and the "prosperity of the Turkish people shall increase." ¶4. (SBU) Note: The Patriarch will be traveling to Florida next month for the "Blessing of the Waters," followed by a possible side trip to New Orleans to conduct a prayer service for victims of Hurricane Katrina, and will remain out of Turkey for much of the rest of January and early February with follow on trips to Mexico and Brazil. End Note. JONES