President of FEP Party: Our party is gradually emerging from the shell of Western Thrace and starting to grow

FEP Party President Asafoğlu, who came first in 2 out of 3 provinces in Western Thrace in the European Parliament (EP) elections held on 9 June in Greece, made statements to AA correspondent about their success in the recent EP elections and minority rights in Greece.
Pointing to the denial of the identity of the Turkish Minority of Western Thrace in Greece, Asafoğlu stated that the struggle for minority rights will continue and they will continue to be the voice of all oppressed communities.
Emphasising that the difficulties they face as a minority community in Greece, where they are citizens, lead them to work and struggle more, Asafoğlu used the following expressions:
"Although we are such a docile society and we are citizens of this country, the fact that we are welcomed like this makes us sad of course, but let me put it this way; it makes us work harder and fight harder. We will somehow overcome the 3 per cent threshold that was introduced to prevent our party from sending deputies to the European Parliament and the national parliament. We are sure of this. The times are changing and the FEP Party is gradually coming out of its Western Thrace shell and starting to grow."
Underlining that they can appeal to wider masses throughout the country, Asafoğlu stated that his party also received votes from regions where there are no Turkish voters.
"We are receiving threats from this group"
Asafoğlu said that the ruling New Democracy (ND) Party suffered a huge loss of votes due to its mismanagement and contributed to the rise of the far right in the country with its wrong policies.
Noting that this rise is worrying both in Greece and Europe, Asafoğlu reminded that the hall where his party organised an event in the capital Athens was raided by members of the far-right criminal organisation Golden Dawn.
"We are already receiving threats from this group through social media, phone calls and other means. The rise of this group, the rise of this mentality and those who represent this idea is very worrying and sad. Unfortunately, right-wing extremists and fascists do not respect anyone who thinks differently from them."
Asafoğlu blamed ND's wrong policies for the rise of the far right.
"The Greek press has never wanted to recognise FEP with its real identity"
Stating that DEB's election results were widely covered in the Greek media, Asafoğlu said that they were also subjected to unfair criticism.
Asafoğlu said, "The Greek press has never wanted to recognise FEP with its real identity and has not reflected our party in the right way. In their news, they almost demonise us and portray us as a constant danger."