Motions related with minority education and tobacco production were submitted to the Hellenic Parliament

PASOK Xanthi Deputy Dr. Cetin Mandaci submitted 2 motions related with Turkish Minority of Western Thrace to the Hellenic Parliament. Deputy Mandaci uttered educational problems in Xanthi prefecture in his first motion. Mandaci explained that problems in minority education effect general educational level in the region negatively and emphasized that Xanthi prefecture is one of the most under-developed region in educational level throughout Greece. Mandaci in his motion submitted to the Hellenic Parliament to be answered by Evripidis Stilianidis, the Minister of National Education and Religious Affairs, asked that if any measures against reasons lying under educational problems in the region will be taken, or not? In the motion, it is underlined that percentage of university graduates in Xanthi prefecture is only 12,18 and percentage of primary school gradutes is 32,84 – a high percentage. Mandaci stated that these problems have been arising from discriminations in basic educational rights of the Minority in Western Thrace and he explained that educational level of Turks living in Xanthi is low because of these reasons. Deputy Mandacy emphasized in his motion that Ministry of National Education and Religious Affairs has to work to promote minority education and he asked that if the Ministry will start any attempt about this issue, or not?

Turkish tobacco producers in Western Thrace are in difficult situation

Deputy Mandaci submitted his second motion to the Minister of Agricultural Development and Food. Mandaci in his motion submitted to be answered by the Minister drawed attention to problems in agriculture sector in Xanthi prefecture where Turks mostly work. Mandaci brought up problems especially in tobacco production in his motion. It is stated in the motion that production costs of tobacco has increased during last 4 years but corporations bought tobaccos from producers, most of them are Turks, with low prices and so, Turks in the region who exist with tobacco production have faced with difficult economic circumstances. Mandaci also explained that subventions given by EU for tobacco production will be cut off in 2009 and he admonished that unemployment among Turks in the region will increase because of this reason. Mandaci asked in his motion that if the Hellenic Government will negotiate with EU about subventions given for tobacco production, or not? If the Ministry will take some measures in order to protect tobacco production, or not? And, if the Ministry will call that “press tobacco” is protected registered product, or not, for continuation of tobacco production which has a vital importance for Turks in the region. Related ministers have not answered these motions which have been submitted to the Hellenic Parliament by Deputy Cetin Mandaci on 14 Februry, yet. Ministry’s opinions about this issues which are closely related with Turkish Minority of Western Thrace will appear in answers that will be given in next days.