The Fener Greek Patriarch of Istanbul, Bartholomeus, has flown to Brussels to meet with the President of the EU Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso. Bartholomeus, who left yesterday morning for meetings with EU representatives, announced that he would be discussing the status of churches and communities connected with the Fener Patriarchate in Europe. Bartholomeus, in his written statement, also said that he would be actively supporting Turkish entrance into the EU in during his talks.

 Authorities at the Istanbul based Patriarchate have denied rumors that Bartholomeus is planning on complaining about Turkey to the EU, saying "He could complain by letter if he wished. There would be no need to go to Brussels. The Patriarch has just gone to explain details of some unsolved problems..."