Turkey

The Turkish parliament has adopted a law intended to strengthen the rights of religious minorities. They will now get the chance to buy back confiscated property, but only if it is still in the hands of the state. Property sold to third parties will not be eligible for purchase. Over the past several decades, the Turkish government has appropriated property worth millions of euros from non-Muslims. Although the law is seen as a step in the right direction, it is not certain whether it will be sufficient to satisfy Europe. Turkey’s negotiations over possible entry to the European Union are still at an impasse owing to the “Cyprus question.” (Radio Netherlands)