BBP leader Destici criticises Greece over mufti appointments in Western Thrace
Mustafa Destici, leader of Türkiye’s Great Unity Party (BBP), has criticised the Greek government over its appointment of muftis for the Turkish minority in Western Thrace, arguing that the community’s religious leadership should not be determined by Athens.
In a statement shared on social media, Destici said appointments imposed without the consent of the Turkish minority were unacceptable and disregarded rights he said were guaranteed under international treaties.
DESTICI RECOGNISES COMMUNITY-ELECTED MUFTIS
Destici said previous Greek government measures had not changed the will of the Turkish minority in Western Thrace and would not do so in the future.
He identified İbrahim Şerif in Gümülcine (Komotini) and Mustafa Trampa in İskeçe (Xanthi) as the legitimate muftis elected by members of the community.
CALL FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE TREATY OF LAUSANNE
Destici called on the Greek government to comply with its obligations under the Treaty of Lausanne and international law, and to abandon what he described as the imposition of appointed religious leaders.
He also urged the Turkish government to pursue diplomatic and legal initiatives, citing Article 45 of the Treaty of Lausanne, which addresses the protection of non-Muslim minorities in Türkiye in relation to the protections afforded to the Muslim minority in Greece under Article 37 and subsequent provisions.
Destici concluded his statement by declaring that the religious will of the Turkish minority in Western Thrace could not be determined by Athens.
