Foreign Ministry reacts to Greece over 'mufti' issue

In a written statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was noted: "By refusing to recognize the muftis elected by the Western Thrace Turkish Minority, Greece persists in disregarding the rights and freedoms of the minority, which are guaranteed by the Treaty of Lausanne.

The process of determining an ‘appointed mufti’ under the guise of an ‘election,’ which was imposed in Didymoteicho in recent months without consultation with the representatives and institutions of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority, is now being attempted in the provinces of Rhodope and Xanthi as well.

It is impossible for us to accept these practices.

On this occasion, we once again bring to the attention of the international community that Greece does not recognize the elected religious leaders of an official minority within its own country.

We emphasize that Greece ending its oppressive practices toward our kinsmen would also positively affect our bilateral relations, and we call on Greek authorities to turn back from the wrong path they are persistently following regarding the Western Thrace Turkish Minority. Turkey will continue to closely monitor the protection of the rights of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority in Greece, while also observing its treaty obligations," the statement read.