US embassy cable - 05ANKARA5632

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