The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a written statement regarding Greece's refusal to recognize the muftis elected by the Western Thrace Turkish minority and its decision to proceed with appointments in Komotini and Xanthi.
The statement noted that the institution of the muftiate is an inseparable part of the religious, social, and cultural identity of the Western Thrace Turkish minority. The Ministry emphasized that the fundamental rights and freedoms of the minority, guaranteed by the Treaty of Lausanne and international agreements, are being ignored.
The Ministry's statement is as follows:
"By appointing so-called muftis in Komotini and Xanthi, Greece continues to disregard the fundamental rights and freedoms of the Western Thrace Turkish minority, which are guaranteed by the Treaty of Lausanne and international agreements. The institution of the muftiate is an inseparable part of the religious, social, and cultural identity of the Western Thrace Turkish minority. By insisting on not recognizing the muftis elected by the Western Thrace Turkish minority—an official minority in its country—Greece ignores the will of the minority and their freedom of religion, once again revealing its distorted perspective on fundamental human rights. We call on the Greek authorities to recognize the legitimate muftis elected by the minority and to abandon their attempts to impose appointed muftis."
News Source: 12punto
