With its statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responding to Turkey, which is “once again trying to distort reality” by “spreading false news about the Muslim minority in Thrace.”

Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

“The Turkish side is once again trying to distort reality and spread false news about the Muslim minority in Thrace.»

“It is worth asking what provision of the Treaty of Lausanne, systematically violated by Turkey, refers to the election of muftis of the Muslim minority in Thrace. We expect the Turkish side to point us to a specific article.»

“It is at least an oxymoron that Turkey is trying to establish in a third country procedures for electing religious leaders that it does not apply on its own territory.»

“As you know, the Greek Parliament recently adopted a law on the modernization of muftis. This law creates a modern and comprehensive institutional framework for the muftis and muftis of Thrace. The framework is fully compatible with the Greek Constitution and the country’s international obligations as defined by the Treaty of Lausanne, the European Convention on Human Rights, the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights, as well as the principles and norms of Islam.»

“Greece, a European democracy and the rule of law, fully complies with its obligations to the Muslim minority in Thrace, arising from the Treaty of Lausanne. It will continue to pursue prudent minority policies that promote the welfare of the minority.»

“On the contrary, Turkey continues to violate the rights of the almost disappeared Greek minority in Istanbul, Imbro and Tenedos.»

“In fact, it is believed that Turkey made the relevant announcement a few days after the unfortunate anniversary of “September” 1955, which, at the very least, could be an occasion for reflection on the part of Turkey.»