FEP Party reaffirms support for elected muftis in Western Thrace
The Friendship Equality Peace (FEP) Party has reiterated its support for the elected muftis of the Turkish community in Western Thrace, calling on Greece to engage in dialogue with the minority's representatives to resolve the longstanding mufti issue.
In a statement published in Turkish, Greek and English on 30 October, the party stressed that the right of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority to choose its own religious leader is a fundamental right guaranteed by international treaties.
The party argued that the mufti issue cannot be treated as a simple matter of official appointments, emphasising that it concerns the minority's right to determine its religious leadership through its own free will.
“OUR IDENTITY AND WILL CANNOT BE DEFINED BY OTHERS”
In its statement, the FEP Party said the identity and collective will of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority could not be determined by external actors.
It referred to the minority's longstanding historical presence in the region and criticised what it described as Greece's continued disregard for its identity and collective will.
The party said it supported the protection of the minority's legitimate rights and called for sincere dialogue to address the issue.
CALL FOR DIALOGUE OVER THE MUFTI ISSUE
The FEP Party emphasised that the dispute extends beyond the appointment of a religious official, arguing that the central issue is the minority's right to freely choose its own religious leader.
It also called for lasting solutions to longstanding problems affecting the minority, including issues it said involved violations of fundamental rights.
According to the party, a sustainable resolution can only be achieved through mutual dialogue with representatives who genuinely reflect the minority's will.
It further maintained that the minority's rights could not be taken away through procedural or administrative manoeuvres.
“WE STAND FIRMLY BEHIND OUR ELECTED MUFTIS”
Concluding its statement, the FEP Party reaffirmed its support for the elected muftis and called for unity within the Western Thrace Turkish Minority.
Emphasising the collective position of women, men, young people and older generations, the party ended its message with the words:
“We are here! We stand together! And we stand behind our will!”
The statement was published in Turkish, Greek and English across the party's social media platforms.
