EU Urges Turkey to ‘Reverse’ Hagia Sophia Reconversion Plan
- Bloc’s top diplomat warns of greater religious tensions
- Appeal after Turkey-focused meeting of EU foreign ministers
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The European Union’s top diplomat lashed out at Turkey for its plan to reconvert Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia monument to a mosque, saying the move will stoke religious tensions.
“This decision will inevitably fuel mistrust, provoke renewed division between religious communities and undermine our efforts at dialog and cooperation,” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell told reporters in Brussels on Monday after chairing a meeting with national counterparts from the 27-member bloc. “There was a broad support to call on the Turkish authorities to urgently reconsider and reverse this decision.”