Turkey disappointed over a resolution adopted at the U.S. House of Representatives

WASHINGTON (A.A) - December 15, 2011 - Turkey's Ambassador in Washington, Namik Tan, said Wednesday that Turkey was disappointed over a resolution adopted at the U.S. House of Representatives the other day at a time of progress in religious freedoms in Turkey. Speaking to a group of guests at the Residence of the Turkish Embassy on the occasion of the end of a three-day meeting held by the U.S. Department of State on intolerance and discrimination based on religion and beliefs, Ambassador Tan said that the adoption of House Resolution 306 (H.R. 306) in a vote attended by only three representatives was "ironic and disappointing". "Turkey is in a comprehensive reform process so that all Turkish citizens, regardless of their religion, live at the highest standards possible. Turkey has taken great steps in the field of religious freedom," Tan underlined. During the debates on H.R. 306, certain congresspeople made unfair and subjective criticisms against Turkey. We are still hopeful that the U.S. Congress would refrain from unfair criticisms of Turkey, Tan added. H.R. 306 aims to force Turkey to return properties to churches or pay compensation wherever necessary. H.R. 306 is not binding on Turkey and is only an advisory resolution.