Greek diplomatic sources on Wednesday reacted to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s remarks about the Muslim minority in Thrace, emphasizing that minority members enjoy equality before the law and that their rights are fully respected.
“Issues concerning the rule of law and the protection of human rights for Greek citizens are not up for discussion, nor could they be,” the sources stated.
Earlier in the day, Erdogan described the Muslim minority in Thrace as “Turkish” and claimed that the community’s issues are a top priority for him when engaging with Greek authorities.
The same sources also addressed Erdogan’s suggestion that the only resolution to the long-standing Cyprus dispute is the establishment of two separate states on the island.
“The perpetuation of the current status quo, the occupation of one-third of the island, and the creation of two states are not viable solutions,” they said, reiterating Greece’s commitment to a bizonal, bicommunal federation in line with UN Security Council resolutions.