Ankara, EU can work against Islamophobia: Turkey
ANKARA, June 21 — Turkey and the European Union (EU) have worked closely together in many areas and can do so against anti-Muslim racist movements, Turkey’s communications director said Saturday, Anadolu Agency (AA) reported.
Fahrettin Altun attended a presentation in Ankara of the European Islamophobia Report 2019 of the Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA) via the internet where he said the purpose of the report is not to blame anyone but to urge open and honest dialogue among friends.
He said the report made it possible for people around the world to follow the development of anti-Muslim racism in Europe and it also touched concerns of Europeans about social and political trends.
Anti-Muslim racism is not just a European problem, according to Altun, who said Muslims are either killed or injured globally as part of systematic displacement and intimidation efforts.
He drew attention to the fact that Islamophobia in Europe is getting worse every day and said there is a noticeable increase in attacks on Muslims, mosques and Islamic community centres in Europe.
“Fighting Islamophobia needs to start in Europe,” he said.
Turkey is ready to support EU efforts to achieve equality for Muslims and other religious communities, he said.
— BERNAMA
