PM Mitsotakis’ messages to Western Thrace
Prime Minister Kiryakos Mitsotakis addressed the public in Gümülcine (Komotini) as part of his two-day visit to Western Thrace.
As expected, the Prime Minister once again did not use any expressions regarding the Western Thrace Turkish Minority and the problems experienced in his speech.
THE VISIT IS DUE TO "NATIONAL" REASONS
The Prime Minister said he had special reasons for choosing the East Macedonia-Thrace region for his first visit in the New Year. Stating that the first reason for this was personal, the Prime Minister said, “(His father) Konstantinos Mitsotakis was the first person to declare equality before the law here.” said. Mitsotakis said that he also adopted the policy in question and that he will continue to work on this issue. Saying that the second reason he chose the region was "national," Mitsotakis said, "This frontier region has always been at the forefront of the homeland defense." used the phrase.
Prime Minister Kiryakos Mitsotakis started his Western Thrace program on Friday, 13 January 2023 from İskeçe (Xanthi).
Visiting the shopkeepers on Kavala Street in İzteçe (Xanthi), Miçotakis then went to the city square and made a short speech to the citizens waiting for him there.
Stating that he is very happy to start the election campaign from Thrace, and especially from Xanthi, the Prime Minister expressed that they expect support from the public for the New Democracy Party to come into power again in the general elections. Noting that the government that came to power in 2019 fulfilled the promises made to the people, Mitsotakis stated that they had a successful period despite all the difficulties.
After his short visit to İskeçe (Xanthi), the Prime Minister moved to Gümülcine (Komotini), where he met with members of chambers of commerce, state representatives and mayors at a hotel at noon.
PM Mitsotakis, who also met with the management of Thrace Dimokritos University and the deputies of the region, completed the Gümülcine (Komotini) program at 19.30 in the evening with a general speech he gave to the Thracians at the Komotini Music Palace.
Addressing the supporters of the New Democracy Party and the citizens, Mitsotakis addressed the importance of the Thrace region, the communities belonging to different faiths and members of minorities in the Thrace region, the Aegean and Mediterranean problems with Türkiye, the steel fence built on the border in the Meriç (Evros) region and the border security. His speech lasted more than an hour.
He talked about the work done until today, the steps taken, the programs to be implemented by the government in the future, and the projects made or to be made by the Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Province as well as the budget allocated.
MITSOTAKIS SENT A MESSAGE FROM GUMULCINE TO TURKIYE
Prime Minister Mitsotakis addressed the public at the Gümülcine (Komotini) Music Palace. He talked about the investments made in the country and emphasized that Greece has proven to be a pioneer in many issues compared to EU countries.
He also sent a message to Türkiye. Stating that borders would be closed to illegal immigrants Mitsotakis said that the steel walls built on the Turkish border along the entire border will continue.
Kiryakos Mitsotakis claimed that Türkiye was acting in a "craze of provocation" and said, "However, the more Ankara raises its voice, the more it will sink into international isolation. No one can rewrite history or redraw geography." used the phrases.
Accusing the Turkish government of escalating tensions, Mitsotakis said, “I keep our doors closed against threats, but we are always open to productive contacts. We are the force of peace, responsibility and legitimacy. We are always ready for dialogue with Türkiye, but there is no dialogue with irrationality.” he said.
Stating that national and European borders will always be protected, the Prime Minister said, "Those who shout that I will come suddenly one night may wake up one night and suddenly land in harsh reality." used the phrases.
"NOT SINCERE ABOUT THE MINORITY"
In his speech, the Prime Minister could not make an important statement regarding the Western Thrace Turkish Minority and could not use sincere expressions as expected.
On the contrary, it was seen that the expressions he used about the minority were far from the realities in the region.
Noting that Thrace is a historical place where different cultures and traditions live, Mitsotakis said that they are proud of the "Muslim Minority". Mitsotakis expressed their pride in having achieved a “peaceful life together” in the region.
He continued to ignore the facts about the Western Thrace Turkish Minority, the chief architect of this peaceful life, and did not touch upon any of the problems faced by the minority.
Ignoring the problems of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority, which struggled peacefully with patience and fortitude despite all the injustices and negativities he experienced, Prime Minister Mitsotakis avoided facing the facts by using rosy expressions.
According to the Turkish Minority, Prime Minister Mitsotakis distorted the facts so much that he was ridiculed by arguing that coexistence in Thrace could be the subject of research for many European countries. The Prime Minister also added that "the ‘Muslim Minority’ lives in harmony under the identity of Greek and European citizens".
Mitsotakis said that the second reason he chose East Macedonia - Thrace for his first pro-election speech in the new year was "national" and added, "This frontier region has always been at the forefront of the defense of the homeland." used the phrase.
