EU AWAITS DETAILS OF BILL ON CHARITIES IN TURKEY
Athens News Agency, Greece
Nov 13 2006
Representatives of Turkey’s numerous charitable foundations, all
falling under the domain of the state-run General Directorate for
Religious Property (Vakuf), are still awaiting to see details of a
draft bill passed by the Turkish assembly, expected to be unveiled
later on Monday.
According to reports here, European diplomats and representatives
of the EU Commission in Ankara referred to a "wait and see" attitude
on whether numerous demands by Europe and private foundations in the
country will be fulfilled with the new law.
Similar statements were made by representatives of the Ecumenical
Patriarchate, as the latter is keenly following developments in
coordination with the representatives of Jewish and Armenian groups
in Turkey.
The bill deals with all faith-linked charitable foundations, including
the very large Muslim "vakufs" in the country.
The bill was ratified by a vote of 241 in favor to 31 against, with the
opposition in the Turkish assembly strenuously opposing the bill and
calling for the postponement of beneficial provisions for foundations
and charities until Turkey becomes a full EU member-state.
Later reports also speculated over whether the Turkish president will
veto the legislation.
One of the primary demands by the EU and local communities focused
on establishing a framework for foundations that passed into the
hands of the state due to a lack of recognised and functioning boards
of directors.
Members of recognised Vakufs also want the return of properties that
after 1974 passed into the hands of third parties.
On the plus side, the draft bill reportedly foresees the right of
permanent residents of Turkey, who are not Turkish citizens, however,
to serve on the boards of foundations.
Caption: A view of the courtyard at the headquarters of the Ecumenical
Patriarchate in Istanbul, better known as the Fanar.
ANA-MPA photo / STR
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
