No one can interfere in Turkey’s sovereignty, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, adding that only the Turkish state has responsibility for any planning for Hagia Sophia, including a change of status, according to a sigmalive.com report.
In a statement following the recent statements by Josep Borrell, Spokesperson of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hami Aksoy, said that Hagia Sophia is Turkey’s property “and all plans concerning Hagia Sophia, including changing its status is only up to the sovereign power of Turkey. No one can interfere in Turkey’s sovereign rights.”
He claims that “with the new situation, the ‘Hagia Sophia mosque’ will be open to all visitors of all religions and beliefs around the world and anyone who wishes can visit this magnificent building. In addition, the work that will be done in Hagia Sophia will not jeopardize the criteria required for registration in the World Heritage List.”
According to the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “the ‘Hagia Sophia mosque’ will continue to embrace everyone under its new status while preserving the common cultural heritage of mankind.”
It is is reminded that yesterday the EU Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) condemned Turkey’s decision on Hagia Sophia and called on the Turkish government to reconsider its decision.
According to the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Council has authorized him to consider ways to de-escalate the situation with Turkey.
In addition, the Council instructed Josep Borrell to prepare “possible measures that could be taken in relation to the challenges we face,” as stated by the High Representative.
