The statement about the “Turkish minority” in Thrace was published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Turkeyjust 24 hours after SYRIZA MP Hussein Zeybek spoke out on the issue on Turkish television.
In a tweet, the Turkish Foreign Ministry states: “We support the Turkish minority of Western Thrace, which has not given up the fight for human rights and freedom despite threats and pressure.”
“We expect the Greek authorities to investigate this serious event and punish those responsible,” he said, referring to the recent threats he says Mr. Zeibek received.
The post is accompanied by a statement from the Western Thrace Turkish Minority Advisory Committee.
Despite all the threats and pressure, we support Batı Trakya Türk Azınlığın, which does not give up in the fight for human rights and freedoms.
We are waiting for the Yunnan authorities to investigate this important case and punish the perpetrators. https://t.co/i69EbMffeR
— TS MFA (@TC_Disisleri) September 16, 2022
Zeybek’s statements and ND’s reaction
It is noted that the deputy from SYRIZA gave an interview to the Turkish channel “A Khaber” a few days ago, in which, among other things, he said: “We are not worried, we are not afraid. We in our honest fight will continue to defend the rights of our people, the Turkish minority of western Thrace.”
At the same time, he spoke of “great tensions” between Greece and Turkey and a “tense atmosphere” over the election of a pseudo-mufti in Xanthi, as well as threats he had received in the past from the Golden Dawn. In addition, Mr. Zeybek claimed that a Greek citizen had recently threatened to kill him during a live broadcast.
His statements provoked an immediate reaction from New Democracy. Party MP and head of international relations department Tasos Hatzivasiliou, in a post accompanied by a related video, notes:
“Xanthi MP for SYRIZA Hussein Zeybek says on Turkish television: “We will continue to protect the rights of the Turkish minority.” Finally, why do opposition parties show tolerance for such unacceptable positions of their deputies?”
MP Xanthi @syriza_gr Hussein Zeybek says on Turkish television: “We will continue to protect the rights of the Turkish minority.” Finally, why do opposition parties show tolerance for such unacceptable positions of their deputies? https://t.co/TpgFFhT7KX
— Thassos Hatzivasileu (@tasos_chatziv) September 15, 2022
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Source: Kathimerini
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