The European Commission’s Chief spokesman did not comment on “the views of Turkish officials” on the issue of Hagia Sophia.
In particular, Eric Mamer refused to comment on the fact that Orthodox Christians “would feel their rights were being violated if they were barred from entering the emblematic building”, since, as he put it, “the decision of the Turkish Supreme Court is pending.”
Mr Mamer added that “we understand that Hagia Sophia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; this is important and we need to look at it from that perspective.” He also stressed that “Hagia Sophia is a symbol of tolerance, dialogue and we must not use these facts to fuel any disagreement between religion.”
