Turkey's Chief Negotiator for accession talks with the EU, Minister Egemen Bagis, said Turkish Government agreed with the Fener Greek Patriarchate to turn the disputed orphanage in Buyukada, Istanbul to an environment institute.

Earlier Tuesday, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) announced its decision on the disputed orphanage. The court held that Turkish government had to return the orphanage to the Patriarchate and to pay it EUR 6,000 for non-pecuniary damage and EUR 20,000 for costs and expenses.

Commenting on the ECHR ruling on his way out of a panel in Izmir, Bagis said they expected this outcome.

"I spoke to the Patriarch yesterday; we agreed over a formula acceptable to all parties, foreseeing to turn the orphanage into an environmental institute. It will be turned into a structure where prominent scholars and scientists from around the globe conducting research in the field will be able work. The place is a abandoned wreckage, it needs serious restoration. We are working closely with the patriarchate," said Bagis.


AA