Habipoğlu criticizes Mitsotakis over Lausanne Treaty remarks: “A biased distortion of facts”
The statement came after Mitsotakis’ joint press conference in Ankara with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, where the Greek Prime Minister referenced the Lausanne Treaty.
“Only Non-Muslim Minorities Are Mentioned”
In his response, Habipoğlu argued that Mitsotakis interpreted the Treaty “in a biased manner, distorting the facts.”
“As clearly stated in the provisions of the Treaty of Lausanne, the minorities in our homeland are referred to exclusively as ‘non-Muslim minorities.’ We would like to once again remind our Prime Minister of this fact,” Habipoğlu said.
The Lausanne Treaty, signed in 1923, regulates minority protections between Greece and Turkey, including provisions concerning religious minorities.
Call for Dialogue and Sincere Engagement
Habipoğlu emphasized that the Turkish community of Western Thrace wishes to serve as a bridge between Greece and Turkey. However, he argued that what he described as a state-driven perception of an “internal enemy” undermines that possibility.
He concluded his statement by calling on the Greek government to adopt a sincere, honest and dialogue-based approach on issues directly affecting the minority community.
“As we always underline, with dialogue and goodwill, there is no problem our community cannot resolve,” Habipoğlu stated.
The remarks add a new layer to ongoing discussions about minority rights, identity and the interpretation of international agreements in Greek-Turkish relations.
