Reaction from Türkiye to Greece: It openly disregards Lausanne

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reacted to Greece's appointment of muftis to Komotini and Xanthi. The Ministry stated that the practice in question violates the fundamental rights and freedoms of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority, which are guaranteed by the Lausanne Peace Treaty and international agreements.

“THE WILL OF THE WESTERN THRACE TURKISH MINORITY IS BEING IGNORED”

In the statement made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was emphasized that the institution of mufti is an integral part of the religious, social and cultural identity of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority.

In the statement, it was stated that Greece insists on not recognizing the muftis chosen by the minority and that this attitude ignores the will and freedom of religion of the minority. The Ministry noted that this practice also reveals the approach towards fundamental human rights.

CALL TO GREECE TO GIVE UP MUFTI APPOINTMENTS

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on the Greek authorities to recognize the muftis elected by the Western Thrace Turkish Minority.

The statement said, "We call on the Greek authorities to recognize the legitimate Muftis elected by the Minority and to give up their attempts to impose appointed muftis."

In the statement made by the Ministry, the following statements were included:

"By appointing so-called muftis in Komotini and Xanthi, Greece continues to disregard the fundamental rights and freedoms of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority, guaranteed by the Lausanne Peace Treaty and international agreements.

The institution of Mufti is an integral part of the religious, social and cultural identity of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority.

By insisting on not recognizing the Muftis chosen by the Western Thrace Turkish Minority, an official minority in its country, Greece ignores the will and freedom of religion of the Minority and once again reveals its distorted perspective on fundamental human rights."