Finding common ground
A European Court of Human Rights ruling recognizing the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s ownership of the Princes’ Islands orphanage, finds Turkey guilty of invoking unjust laws but also reminds us of the way international law operates. The case is even more significant as the unanimous ruling was unreservedly supported by the Turkish judge taking part. Moreover, the case was handled jointly by Greek and Turkish lawyers, setting an example of a shared perception and cooperation in matters of law, but also pointing to the existence of common European ground. Turkey’s course toward European Union membership demands respect for international rules and European legal culture. The Turkish state must shed its post-Ottoman heritage and adjust to current circumstances if it wishes to join the West. Similarly, Greece must get used to the fact that international law is not implemented selectively but universally, otherwise the next condemnation could be against it.
