Newly-elected US senator wants Turkey to convert Hagia Sophia back to a museum.
The Democratic senator who defeated Turkish-origin candidate Dr Mehmet Oz, in Pennsylvania sees Turkey as a 'country of concern.
Before his election this week, newly-elected US Senator John Fetterman clarified his opposition to Turkey's treatment of the Greek Orthodox Church and his support for turning Istanbul's Hagia Sophia back into a museum.
Following his victory over Republican rival Mehmet Oz a statement made by Fetterman in October has resurfaced.
In the statement, Fetterman stated, "I am aware of Turkey's treatment of the Ecumenical Patriarch, and I firmly endorse President Biden and Secretary Blinken's urgency in supporting religious freedom for religious minorities in the region. "I'm looking forwards to encouraging cooperation among all religious leaders and assisting the Orthodox Christian community in this battle.