The vicar of Istanbul, Father Lorenzo Piretto, has expressed “condolences and solidarity with the families of the 36 victims and 79 injured” of the railway disaster of 22 July on the Istanbul-Ankara line. “I learnt of the tragedy from the news he told SIR ; now we wait to find out its causes. From what may be gleaned from reading the papers, it seems that the high-speed train, recently introduced between Istanbul and Ankara, was still using the old track, probably unsuitable for high-speed trains. I hope that Turkey won’t chase after technology and the modernization of its own infrastructures to accelerate its entry into the European Union. I think that there is a natural timescale to respect. The price to be paid would seem too high”. “Turkey concluded Father Piretto is living through a particular phase. The possibility of EU accession is accelerating political and social renewal and this also concerns relations with the Christian Churches, a minority in the country. We all hope in a recognition of the Church after the meeting in June between premier Erdogan and the representatives of our episcopate”. Immediately after the derailment of the train, a controversy broke out, accusing the government led by premier Erdogan of cutting corners; it had only inaugurated the new line on 4 June. So far 36 victims and 79 injured have been ascertained. So, the figures published in the immediate aftermath of the disaster that spoke of 130 dead have been significantly scaled down.
