Çelik criticizes Greece over minority schools and assimilation pressure
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Çelik said the Turkish government closely monitors developments concerning the Turkish Minority of Western Thrace and expressed concern over measures that, in his view, make life more difficult for the community.
Çelik specifically referred to Greece's recent decision to close eight minority primary schools, stating that Ankara does not consider the decision appropriate and rejects the measure.
He noted that the number of minority primary schools has now fallen to 76 and claimed that families seeking to enroll their children in minority schools continue to face various obstacles.
Recalling a visit to Western Thrace during President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's tenure as prime minister, Çelik said that even basic community activities had faced restrictions at the time.
Commenting on Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' calls for reducing tensions between the two neighboring countries, Çelik said prolonged disputes benefit neither side. He argued that policies affecting minority education are unacceptable and maintained that efforts to impose assimilation pressure on the Turkish Minority of Western Thrace are not justified.
Çelik also stressed that Türkiye and Greece will remain permanent neighbors regardless of changes in the international environment, urging both countries to preserve the spirit of solidarity demonstrated during past earthquakes. He called on Greece to avoid creating faits accomplis on the ground and emphasized the need for dialogue and mutual political will to address bilateral issues.
