Asafoğlu points out the problems of the Turkish minority in Western Thrace

Asafoğlu made statements to the AA correspondent at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF) 2024 held at the NEST Congress Centre in Belek Tourism Region, of which Anadolu Agency (AA) is the "Global Communication Partner".

Describing the ADF as a "very important" forum, Asafoğlu reminded the ongoing conflicts in various parts of the world.

Asafoğlu said that "serious messages were given" in the panels at ADF and that serious discussions were held on Gaza and Palestine in the forum and that ADF was productive.

Stating that the Turkish minority in Western Thrace is affected by the relations between the two countries, Asafoğlu said, "But frankly, I do not think that there are very clear positive reflections in this period. There is a serious problem in Xanthi Minority High School, there is a building problem."

Asafoğlu pointed out that the issue in question can be resolved in a short time if desired, and stated that the problem will be solved when Greece shows a place for the school.

Underlining that they also have current problems such as "denial of their identity" and education problems, Asafoğlu emphasised that the difficulties experienced in the economic field have caused serious migration.

Asafoğlu noted that "the denial of their identity" is one of their main problems and stated that they have "justified cases" in the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

Pointing out that there are very deep-rooted associations such as the Xanthi Turkish Union (ITB), Asafoğlu said, "The case of the Xanthi Turkish Union was justified 16 years ago in the European Court of Human Rights, but unfortunately, this association still cannot carry out official activities because the word Turkish is on the signboard of the association."

Asafoğlu noted the following regarding the situation in Western Thrace

"It is forbidden to be a Turk in Western Thrace, in Greece. As a single individual you can express that you are Turkish. However, when two or three people come together, they cannot express that they are Turks. You cannot establish any association, institution or organisation with the word "Turk" in it."

Asafoğlu emphasised that Western Thrace Turks have problems with their "identity" and said: "Whenever we, as Western Thrace Turks, express our identity, whenever we say 'We are Turks and the minority living in Western Thrace is Turkish', unfortunately we are labelled by the Greek state as elements threatening national security."

Stating that he found this situation very "tragicomic" in a country that claims to be the "cradle of democracy" and is a member of the European Union, Asafoğlu said, "However, we do not ask too much from the Greek state and the Greek authorities."

Asafoğlu said that they demanded that the problems be solved through dialogue and added "As the Turkish minority of Western Thrace, we are perhaps one of the most docile minorities in the world. Despite the intense pressure for years, we have never committed any outbursts. The provinces of Rodopi and Xanthi are already the provinces with the lowest crime rate in the country. We think that all problems can be solved."

Asafoğlu emphasised that as Turks from Western Thrace, they want the minority to be asked first about the decisions taken about them and demanded consultation with the minority.

After the interview, Asafoğlu was also presented with AA's "KANIT" book.