[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 193 (Thursday, December 15, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2276-E2277]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           URGING TURKEY TO SAFEGUARD ITS CHRISTIAN HERITAGE

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                               speech of

                           HON. RUSS CARNAHAN

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 13, 2011

  Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak on H. Res. 306, regarding 
religious

[[Page E2277]]

freedom in Turkey, a longtime friend and ally of the United States.
  The value we in America place on freedom of religion goes to the very 
heart of American democracy, and we have a strong interest in promoting 
religious freedom globally. As with other indicators of democracy and 
human rights, nations that respect religious tolerance generally enjoy 
greater economic prosperity and social stability. While I support this 
resolution and encourage further progress on religious freedom in 
Turkey, I also believe we must seek to support these standards in an 
even-handed manner.
  I would like to emphasize the importance of U.S.-Turkish relations. 
From Turkey's critical support in Afghanistan and elsewhere, as a 
uniquely positioned NATO ally and their substantial humanitarian 
contributions in response to famine in the Horn of Africa to Turkey's 
efforts in support of the Syrian people as the Assad regime's brutality 
intensifies, Turkey continues to be a strong partner in addressing some 
of the world's most vexing problems. As revolutionary calls for 
democratic governance sound throughout the Middle East and North 
Africa, we must continue to work closely with Turkey, whose position as 
a democratic, majority Muslim country can play a positive role in 
transitions in the region.
  Moreover, I would like to acknowledge the positive steps that the 
Turkish government has taken to address issues of religious freedom and 
tolerance. This August, the Turkish government issued a decree inviting 
non-Muslims to reclaim churches and synagogues that were confiscated 75 
years ago and has eased some citizenship requirements on Orthodox 
clergy. Unfortunately, H. Res. 306 omits recognition of these important 
commitments. While issues remain, particularly with regard to the 
Ecumenical Patriarch, I am encouraged by the efforts that have been 
made and hope for further progress.
  As a member of the Congressional Caucus on Turkey and Turkish 
Americans, I look forward to the ongoing alliance between our 
countries.

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