That the statements of Reuters which quoted Fener-Greek Patriarch Bartholomeos as saying that ; ‘Freedom of religion is restricted in Turkey and the Clergy School is being opened by the pressure of the European Union, ‘ were reportedly the exaggeration of the reporter.
Gareth Jones, the Reuters’ reporter in Turkey sent yesterday an e-mail to the Patriarch apologizing from him. Dositeos Anagnostopulos, the Media Advisor of the patriarchate said, “The quotation of the statement of the Patriarch concerning freedom of religion, had something missing.”
A written statement by the Patriarchate, said that “The expressions in Reuters which hurt the public conscience, have no connection with the reality” and “In his interview, Patriarch Bartholomeos had only said that he hoped the clergy school would soon open.”