Çiğdem Asafoğlu, President of the Friendship Equality and Peace (DEB) Party in Greece, made a statement about the problems of the Turkish minority in Western Thrace.
Asafoğlu made a statement to the AA correspondent at the Antalya Diplomatic Forum (ADF) 2024, held at the NEST Congress Center in the Belek Tourism Region, where Anadolu Agency (AA) is the "Global Communication Partner".
Describing ADF as a "very important" forum, Asafoğlu reminded the ongoing conflicts in various parts of the world.
Asafoğlu mentioned that "serious messages were given" in the panels at ADF and said that serious discussions were held on Gaza and Palestine at the forum and that ADF was productive.
Stating that the Turkish minority in Western Thrace was affected by the relations between the two countries, Asafoğlu said, "But frankly, I do not think that there were very clear and positive reflections in this period. There is a serious problem in Xanthi Minority High School, there is a building problem." she said.
Asafoğlu pointed out that the issue in question could be resolved in a short time if desired, and stated that the problem would be resolved if Greece offered a place for the school.
Underlining that they also have current problems such as "denial of their identities" and education problems, Asafoğlu emphasized that the difficulties experienced in the economic field cause serious migration.
Asafoğlu noted that "denial of their identities" is one of their main problems and stated that they have "justified cases" in the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).
Pointing out that they have well-established associations such as the Xanthi Turkish Union (ITB), Asafoğlu said, "The Xanthi Turkish Union case was found justified in the European Court of Human Rights 16 years ago, but unfortunately, this association still cannot carry out official activities since the association has the word Turkish on its signboard." she said.
Asafoğlu noted the following regarding the situation in Western Thrace:
"It is forbidden to be a Turk in Western Thrace and Greece. As a single individual, you can state that you are a Turk. However, when two or three people come together, they cannot express that they are Turks. You cannot establish any association, institution or organization that includes the word Turkish."
Asafoğlu emphasized that Western Thrace Turks have problems with their "identity" and said, "As Western Thrace Turks, whenever we express our identity and say 'We are Turks and the minority living in Western Thrace is Turkish', unfortunately, the Greek state "We are labeled as elements that threaten national security." said.
Stating that she found this situation very "tragicomical" in a country that defends itself as the "cradle of democracy" and is a member of the European Union, Asafoğlu said, "However, we do not want too much from the Greek state and Greek officials." she said.
Asafoğlu said that they demand the problems to be solved through dialogue and said, "As the Western Thrace Turkish minority, we are perhaps one of the most docile minorities in the world. Despite the intense pressure for years, we have never committed any excesses. Rhodope and Xanthi provinces are already the provinces with the lowest crime rates in the country. All "We think the problems can be solved." she said.
Emphasizing that, as Western Thrace Turks, they want the decisions taken regarding them to be asked to the minority first, Asafoğlu demanded that the minority be consulted.
Yunanistan'daki DEB Partisi Başkanı Asafoğlu, Batı Trakya'daki Türk azınlığın sorunlarına işaret etti
Yunanistan'daki Dostluk Eşitlik Barış (DEB) Partisi Başkanı Çiğdem Asafoğlu, Batı Trakya'daki Türk azınlığın sorunlarına ilişkin açkılama yaptı - Anadolu Ajansı
www.aa.com.tr
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