Şentop embraced his kinsmen in Western Thrace
Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye Şentop embraced his kinsmen in Western Thrace
Mustafa Şentop, President of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (TBMM), made contacts in Komotini and Xanthi within the scope of his visit to Western Thrace.
Mustafa Şentop, Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, started his visit to the Balkan countries with a group of deputies from Western Thrace.
Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey Şentop started his Western Thrace program with a visit to the Mufti of Komotini İbrahim Şerif in his office. Later, the delegation headed by Şentop visited the Komotini Turkish Youth Union (GTGB) and met with the members of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority Advisory Board.
After completing its program in Komotini, the delegation then moved to Xanthi. Şentop and his entourage visited the grave of late Xanthi Mufti Ahmet Mete, who passed away in July. Later, Şentop, visited the new elected Mufti of Xanthi Mustafa Trampa in his office and wished success to him.
After that Şentop visited the Xanthi Turkish Union (ITB). Şentop and the accompanying delegation were greeted with flowers by the President of the Xanthi Turkish Union, Ozan Ahmetoğlu, the managers of the association and children. Ahmetoğlu showed Şentop the location of the association's sign, which was removed because the name "Turk" was mentioned in its name, and explained how their legal struggles continued for years.
Ozan Ahmetoğlu stated that although the European Court of Human Rights ruled against this practice, Greece did not implement the ECtHR decision.
ITB President Ozan Ahmetoğlu emphasized that as the oldest non-governmental organization of Western Thrace Turks, they have been waiting for the implementation of the ECHR decision and the end of the victimization for 14 years.
Stating that as citizens of Greece, they are devoted to this country with love and respect, Ahmetoğlu said, “However, we also expect respect for our own Turkish identity. Denial of our identity hurts us deeply.” said.
Stating that the Xanthi Turkish Union closely followed and supported the struggle, the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye Mustafa Şentop thanked the interest of his fellow countrymen. Expressing that the 85 million-strong Turkish Republic stands with the Western Thrace Turks, Şentop said, “Türkiye has a bond of affection with you, the Western Thrace Turks.” he said.
Parliament Speaker Şentop and the accompanying delegation then left Xanthi and continued their trip to North Macedonia.
During his visits to Western Thrace, Şentop was accompanied by Turkish Ambassador to Athens Burak Özügergin, Türkiye's Consul General to Komotini Murat Ömeroğlu and members of the Turkish Parliament.
