Statement from ABTTF for Jan.29 Resistance Day

With the signature of Halit Habipoğlu, President of the Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe (ABTTF), a statement was issued on the occasion of the "29 January National Resistance and Social Solidarity Day".
The press release is as follows:
"We are Turks by protecting our identity, which is a turning point for our society's struggle for rights and freedoms." 35 years have passed since January 29, 1988, when we cried out.
We got our citizenship rights after the protest march in Komotini on January 29, 1988. We got our citizenship rights by fighting; they didn't give it to us on their own!
Since the signings of our associations were taken down in 1983, we still struggle against the denial of our existence.
Although it has been nearly 15 years since the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) regarding the Xanthi Turkish Union, the Rhodope Turkish Women's Cultural Association and the Meriç Province Minority Youth Association, our country still has not implemented these decisions!
Recently, it is desired to create a perception as if it is a crime for the leaders of our society to be in the same frame with the consul general of our homeland at events, meetings and Friday prayers related to our customs and culture.
Someone is constantly and consciously trying to muddy the waters in our region!
However, as we arrive in 2023, we directly convey the injustice and oppression against us to international institutions and organizations in Brussels, Geneva, Vienna, Warsaw, Berlin and Strasbourg.
A few days ago, during my meeting with the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in his office, I warmly told him that we are targeted in politics and media in our country, that we are subjected to hate speech and are marginalized.
We have a long road ahead of us.
Even though 35 years have passed since January 29, 1988, we will continue our struggle for our identity, rights and freedoms within the framework of democracy and legal rules with the same determination and enthusiasm.
Happy 29 January Social Solidarity and National Resistance Day!”