Foreign Ministry: The Muslim minority in Thrace are Greek citizens

Mevlüt Çavuşoglu’s comments about the “Turkish minority” in Thrace provoked the response of the Greek Foreign Ministry, which spoke of Turkey’s ongoing efforts to distort reality.

The Treaty of Lausanne is explicit and clear

The Muslim minority in Thrace numbers 120,000 Greek citizens, Greek Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexandros Papaioannou said in a statement, commenting on these statements by the Turkish Foreign Minister during his private visit to Komotini.

The statement of the representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is as follows:

“Greece, a state governed by the rule of law, remains firmly committed to international law and the protection of human rights.

It fully implements the obligations arising from the Treaty of Lausanne, which explicitly and clearly refers to the Muslim minority in Thrace.

The Muslim Minority in Thrace has about 120,000 Greek inhabitants.

“Turkey’s constant attempts to distort this reality, as well as the allegations of alleged non-protection of the rights of these citizens, or of alleged discrimination, are unfounded and are rejected in their entirety.

“Greece would like to improve relations with Turkey. Respect for international law is a prerequisite.

“We call on Turkey to respect these fundamental rules, including the Treaty of Lausanne, which it has also signed and is obliged to implement.”