ABTTF President: “In our country, which ranks among the lowest in Europe in terms of the rule of law index, the overwhelming majority of the population does not trust the government or the national parliament. We, the Turkish community in Western Thrace, have been facing the consequences of this negative situation in our country for years, a country that constantly proclaims itself to be the cradle of democracy, yet where democracy and the rule of law are struggling to survive. The most concrete example of this is our country’s persistent failure to execute the European Court of Human Rights judgments regarding our associations for nearly 18 years. I would like to ask our Prime Minister: Is this how our country demonstrates its commitment to international law?!”
In his first weekly assessment of the new year, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis referred to international developments, noting that the international community cannot remain indifferent to the violation of fundamental rights and freedoms by unlawful and authoritarian regimes, and that the principles of the United Nations (UN) Charter and international law must always be respected.
Mitsotakis indicated that the democratic transition, respect for the will of the people and adherence to international rules are the only legitimate path, emphasising that a world order based on human rights and adherence to international law are indispensable for Greece.
“Prime Minister Mitsotakis claims that our country, Greece, complies with international law under all circumstances and fully respects human rights, but unfortunately, the reality is quite the opposite. As clearly stipulated in the reports of the European Commission and the European Parliament, our country systematically violates the rule of law and disregards the principles of international law. In our country, which ranks among the lowest in Europe in terms of the rule of law index, the overwhelming majority of the population does not trust the government or the national parliament. We, the Turkish community in Western Thrace, have been facing the consequences of this negative situation in our country for years, a country that constantly proclaims itself to be the cradle of democracy, yet where democracy and the rule of law are struggling to survive. The most concrete example of this is our country’s persistent failure to execute the European Court of Human Rights judgments regarding our associations for nearly 18 years. I would like to ask our Prime Minister: Is this how our country demonstrates its commitment to international law?!” said Halit Habip Oğlu, President of the Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe (ABTTF).
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