Greece pressed Turkey's sensitive point - Ankara with a message on the peace agreement

Turkey harshly attacked Greece over the weekend, claiming it is ignoring the rights of the Turkish minority in Western Thrace. The anger stems from Athens' decision to appoint its own muftis in Komotini and Xanthi, against the community's wishes. Meanwhile, eight minority elementary schools were suspended.

Turkey harshly attacked Greece over the weekend, claiming it continues to ignore the rights of the Turkish minority in Western Thrace. The anger in Ankara stems from Athens' decision to appoint its own muftis in the cities of Komotini and Xanthi, a step that Turks say violates the Treaty of Lausanne and international agreements. In an official statement, the Turkish Foreign Ministry called for recognition of the legitimate muftis elected by the community. A Greek presidential decree appointed Bilal Kara Halil as mufti of Komotini and Shukru Sherif Damatoglu as mufti of Xanthi, both for five years. The conflict began in 1985, and in 1991 Greece made the appointment system permanent. Meanwhile, the European Federation of Turks in Western Thrace called on the European Union to intervene. It was also reported that eight elementary schools of the community were suspended, a move threatening the preservation of Turkish language and culture.