Bakoyannis: Greece respects minority rights

Ms. Dora Bakoyannis, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece, made a statement following the statements by Turkish Prime Minister, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Halki (Heybeliada) Seminary. Bakoyannis stated that in Thrace, Greece implemented a policy in accordance not only with Lausanne Treaty and but also with the principles of international law and EU Law, adding that Greece aimed to deepen “equality before the law” among her citizens. Bakoyannis said that “Mutuality and reciprocation on these issues is inconceivable in this day and age”, adding that Greek authorities took positive measures to strengthen status of minority. As a last comment, Bakoyannis expressed that “Muslims” in Thrace were Greek citizens and were proud of that.”

Habipoglu: Statements of Ms. Bakoyannis do not reflect the reality in Western Thrace

Regarding the statements of Bakoyannis, Halit Habipoglu, President of the Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe (ABTTF) stated that “Statements of Ms. Bakoyannis do not reflect the reality in Western Thrace. The reality is being distorted consciously. Ms. Bakoyannis, who defined mutuality and reciprocity principles as inconceivable, decreased the number of Turkish teachers who are sent by Turkish government to Western Thrace unilaterally, violating the principles of the bilateral agreement signed with Turkey. Reasoning behind the decrease in the number of Turkish teachers is the fall in the population of Greek citizens living in Turkey. Greece opted to decrease the number of Turkish teachers that are sent from Turkey to Western Thrace based on reciprocity principle. Talking about Greece as a country that is respectful to principles of international and EU law is rather naïve. Despite the verdict of European Court of Human Rigts convicted Greece on violating “association freedom”, Greece still insists to implement the ban against the foundation of associations with Turkish names. We should ask Greece that claims to take positive steps to strengthen the status of “Muslim” minority, other than implementing 0.5% quota on university entrance, what other constructive steps have been taken to strengthen the social status of the Minority? There are several examples of the difficulties that the Turkish Minority faces. We are proud to be Greek citizens. Yet, we are fighting in our country, Greece, to express our Turkish identity and to live under equal conditions with other Greek citizens. Thus, Greece should understand that we are not a threat to our country, but rather a factor that contributes to the cultural wealth.”

The full text of the statement of Ms. Dora Bakoyannis can be retrieved at
http://www.mfa.gr/www.mfa.gr/Articles/en-US/12062009_ALK1129.htm.