Athens, 11 June 2009

Foreign Minister Ms. Dora Bakoyannis made the following statement regarding today’s statements by Turkey’s Prime Minister, Mr. R. T. Erdogan:

“Mr. Erdogan knows very well that respect for religious freedoms and human rights is first and foremost Turkey's obligation to its own citizens.

Furthermore, as a candidate for EU membership, Turkey has committed itself to complying with principles, criteria and prerequisites. It has committed itself to the protection of these rights.

Mutuality and reciprocation on these issues is inconceivable in this day and age. All the more so when dissimilar things are under comparison.

Greece is proud of the policy it follows. In Thrace, we are implementing and deepening a policy of equal rights and equality before the law, fully respecting the Lausanne Treaty, as well as international and European law. We are taking positive measures to strengthen the status of the Muslim minority.

And one last comment: Muslims in Thrace are Greek citizens and are proud of that.”