European Journal | Turkey: Struggle for the Seminary

The European Commission is set to release its progress report on Turkey's application for membership in the EU. The paper lays out in detail Ankara's moves towards possible accession. But one particular area may prove controversial - that of religious freedom.The Greek Orthodox seminary on the island of Halki near Istanbul has been closed for 30 years,on government order. Brussels is now calling for it to be re-opened. Dositheos Agnastopolous,a priest with a German-Greek background is spokesman for the Patriarch. He is keen on seeing the seminary re-opened and advocates reconciliation between Greeks and Turks.