Democratic Senator John Fetterman, who defeated Turkish-origin candidate Dr. Mehmet Oz in Pennsylvania, considers Turkey a "country of concern"
Democratic Senate candidate John Fetterman arrives for an election night party at Stage AE in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on 9 November 2022 (Jeff Swensen/Getty Images/AFP)
Washington, DC: Newly-elected US Senator from Pennsylvania John Fetterman has expressed his clear opposition to Turkey's actions to the Greek Orthodox Church before his victory, and fully supported converting Istanbul's Hagia Sophia back into a museum.
An October statement by Fetterman, published by the Washington, DC-based lobbying firm Manatos & Manatos, resurfaced. In the statement, it accused Turkey of violating "religious freedom", and announced its commitment to a list of other issues.
"I am aware of Turkey's dealings with Chancellors around the world, and I urgently support President Biden and Secretary Blinken in supporting religious freedom for religious minorities in the region," Fetterman said in the statement. “I look forward to supporting the Orthodox Christian community in this fight and promoting joint action among all faith leaders.
In 2020, Turkey converted the Hagia Sophia back from its museum status to a mosque, prompting dismay from political figures and church leaders.
Source: Middle East Eye