Ertuğruloğlu: “We are considering criteria for religious ceremony permits”

In his speech at the General Council of the Parliament, Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu stated that the Government is considering criteria at the request of Greek Cypriots to hold religious ceremonies within the territory of the TRNC, and to grant permission accordingly. Within this framework, Ertuğruloğlu stated, however, that they did not give permission to hold religious ceremonies in Ay Ikserino Church in Gazimağusa.

Ertuğruloğlu also added that the Turkish Cypriot Government does not prevent freedom of religion and belief, but that it does try to prevent religion from being used in politics.

Ertuğruloğlu stressed that the Government will not allow Greek Cypriots to abuse religious freedom in order to give political messages within the territory of the TRNC. He added that three churches have been earmarked for holding religious services without restrictions, but that they have not approved requests to hold religious ceremonies in every church.

Stating that the purpose of the Greek Cypriots is to give the message that the TRNC is Greek Cypriot territory, Ertuğruloğlu said that some people feel uncomfortable with holding religious ceremonies in the Ay Ikserino Church.