ABTTF congratulated EU Special Representative for Human Rights Stavros Lambrinidis for his new task

ABTTF asked Stavros Lambrinidis to keep an eye on human rights violations in the EU area.

Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe(ABTTF) congratulated Stavros Lambrinidis who was started his duty as EU Special Representative for Human Rights on 1 September, 2012. ABTTF asked Lambrinidis to promote human rights in home affairs of the EU and in relations with thirds countries.

ABTTF stated that Stavros Lambrinidis, as Special Representative, is expected to monitor the implementation of human rights in third countries and be be a reliable voice for the people who suffer human rights violatons in these countries. ABTTF expressed its regret that his mandate is limited to human rights issues relating to the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the European Union. ABTTF asked EU Special Representative to get pro-actively involved in protection and promotion of the rights of persons belonging to vulnerable groups, including the rights of persons belonging to traditional traditional national minorities in Europe.

ABTTF expressed its hope that a close and constructive cooperation between EU Special Representative and the EP Intergroup for Traditional Minorities, National Communities and Languages will be established in future and asked Special Representative to work together with governments, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to give human rights more prominence both within the EU and international arena.