Habipoğlu conducts working visit to Ankara
Halit Habipoğlu, President of the Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe (ABTTF), conducted a working visit to Ankara from December 25 to 27, 2024.
Key Meetings and Discussions
During his final working visit of 2024, Habipoğlu met with:
Ambassador Mehmet Kemal Bozay, Turkish Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and President of the EU Affairs Department,
Fuat Oktay, Chair of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) Foreign Affairs Committee and AK Party Ankara MP,
Mehmet Akalın, Member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) Turkish Delegation and İYİ Party Edirne MP,
Abdullah Eren, President of the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB).
Topics Addressed
Human Rights and Legal Issues:
Habipoğlu highlighted the unresolved issues of the Western Thrace Turkish community, focusing on the Greek government's failure to implement European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) rulings in the Bekir Usta and Others case since 2008. He also discussed the decision taken by the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers during its December review.
Educational Challenges:
He brought attention to the ongoing building problems at the Turkish Minority Middle School and High School in Xanthi and addressed the complexities surrounding authority disputes.
Strengthening Ties with Türkiye:
In meetings with the TBMM Foreign Affairs Committee Chair and the YTB President, Habipoğlu emphasized the needs and demands of Turkish minorities, including reinforcing their cultural and social connections with Turkey.
Expression of Gratitude:
During a courtesy visit to Ambassador Bozay, Habipoğlu expressed gratitude for Turkey’s moral support to the Western Thrace Turkish community. He underscored Turkey’s significant role in supporting the cultural and social continuity of Turkish minorities and communities worldwide.
Conclusion
The visit reaffirmed the importance of Türkiye's support for the Western Thrace Turkish community and highlighted ongoing challenges in education, legal rights, and international advocacy.
