Minority Rights Archives - Greek City Times

Greece Rebuts Turkey’s Claim of ‘Turkish Minority’ in Thrace

Greece firmly responded to a Turkish Foreign Ministry post claiming a “Turkish minority” in Western Thrace, asserting that the Treaty of Lausanne recognises only a religious minority. The dispute arose as Turkey marked the 98th anniversary of the Xanthi Turkish Union, highlighting ongoing tensions over minority identity in the region.

Albania Grants Self-Identification Rights to Greek Minority, Boosting Ties with Greece

Albania’s landmark recognition of self-identification rights for its Greek minority marks a turning point in Greek-Albanian relations. This move, coupled with ongoing dialogue on long-standing disputes, paves the way for improved cooperation and Albania’s progress towards EU accession.

Turkish Court Rules Against Restrictions on Greek Orthodox Clerics Serving on Foundations

Turkey’s Constitutional Court has ruled that barring two Greek Orthodox clerics from serving on a foundation board violated their right to freedom of association. The decision, published in the Official Gazette and reported by Agos news website, follows a similar ruling in 2023.

Greece Conditions Its Support for Albania’s EU Membership on Minority Rights

Greece has announced that its support for Albania’s European Union membership bid is conditional on the protection of the rights of the ethnic Greek minority in Albania. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized that Albania must fulfill its obligations regarding the rights of this minority group, which remains the largest in the country, before Athens backs its EU aspirations. Mitsotakis’ remarks come amid strained relations following the arrest of ethnic Greek politician Fredis Beleris last year.

1964 Constantinople Greek Expulsions: Ecumenical Patriarch Opens Conference

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew opened a conference commemorating the 60th anniversary of the 1964 expulsion of thousands of Greeks from Constantinople. He described the event as an “unhealed wound” and drew parallels to modern-day displacement. The conference also honored the late historian Alexis Alexandris.

Albania’s Path to Europe Hinges on Rule of Law, Says Mitsotakis in Meeting with Jailed MEP Beleri

Athens, Greece – Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis underscored the importance of Albania upholding the…

Defying EU? North Macedonia’s PM-in-Waiting Revives Name Debate

North Macedonia’s prime minister-in-waiting has referred to his county as “Macedonia” three times at the start of a two-day parliamentary debate leading up to a vote on his new government.

Fredi Beleri, Imprisoned Candidate, Claims Victory in European Parliament Election

Imprisoned candidate Fredi Beleri claims victory in the European Parliament election, securing a seat with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ New Democracy party. He describes his win as a triumph of “light over darkness,” achieved despite a campaign marred by his imprisonment.