First meeting of Young ABTTF in Witten

Young ABTTF, created within the framework of the Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe (ABTTF), had its first meeting on 6 February 2010 in Witten, Germany. The meeting was hold at the ABTTF office and had the topic of the Young ABTTF configuration on the agenda. Directed by Young ABTTF President Fatma Resit, technical issues, including the creation of a logo and a website were discussed. Furthermore, working groups, associated to the organizational structure, were created, and in addition, staff members and their duties were determined.

At the end of the meeting, persons, responsible for the implementation of Young ABTTF and the areas of their duties were defined: According to decision: Murat Murat, secretary; Funda Reşit, external relations responsible; Gökhan Kocaveli, media responsible; Gülşah Reşit, internal relations responsible ; Caner Habipoğlu, responsible for internet and broadcast.

At the end of the meeting, primarily the decision for an establishment of a Young ABTTF website, with the aim to inform young people about current problems in Western Thrace, including the Western Thrace Turkish history and the work of Young ABTTF, was made. Secondly, at the end of the meeting a member was given responsibility for the creation of the website.

In addition, with regard to the topic of upcoming activities, the participation of Young ABTTF at the Youth of European Nationalities seminar in Macedonia, and the coming-up cultural trip to Istanbul were discussed. At the meeting, Young ABTTF decided to participate with a group in the YEN Macedonia seminary, with the purpose to realize its first lobby work. Secondly, a decision was made, regarding the cultural trip to Istanbul with the aim to get to know the Turkish history. İn addition, at the end of the meeting, persons were directed, responsible for the organization of cultural activities.

With regard to the meeting, Young ABTTF President, Fatma Resit, stated the following: “Young ABTTF realized its first meeting, decisions regarding the organizational structure and the functions were made, and the distributions of tasks were determined. With its dynamic structure and energy, Young ABTTF will realize cultural and social activities next to internal events, within the framework of the Federation. For our internal work, we have the goal to bring Western Thrace Turkish youths together, to discuss the issues of our folk. Beside, we will organize cultural and social activities for members of the Western Thrace Turkish minority living in Germany. Moreover, with regard to Young ABTTF external work, we will realize lobby work within Europe. Thus, our first plan is to participate in the YEN Macedonia seminar”.