Madam, - The group letter of May 21st about the "need for EU countries to encourage reform in Turkey" describes the leaps and bounds the country has made in terms of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Yet the authors fail to address the lack of tolerance and repression shown towards ethnic and religious minorities in Turkey, notably the Greek orthodox community.
Recently, the Greek Orthodox community has experienced rampant desecrations of its graves and cemeteries and daily vandalism to its few monasteries and churches.
In addition, there is the general animosity shown by Turks towards people of Greek origin.
In my view Turkey has to improve its tolerance towards religious and minority groups before it can be considered a viable candidate for EU integration. - Yours, etc,
RISTEARD MAC GRIANNA, Clonskeagh, Dublin 14.