Turkey criticizes Greece over closure of minority schools in Thrace

The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned Greece's decision to suspend the operation of eight minority primary schools in Western Thrace. Spokesperson Oncu Keceli stated that this move reduces the total number of such schools to 76 and alleged that it constitutes a violation of the Treaty of Lausanne. Ankara characterizes the community as a 'Turkish minority' and further accused Greek authorities of creating obstacles to enrollment at the 1st Turkish Minority Primary School in Xanthi. Conversely, Greek authorities state that these school closures are purely administrative decisions based on a decline in student enrollment numbers. Turkey has urged Greece to comply with international obligations and recommendations regarding minority rights. The disagreement highlights ongoing tensions concerning the legal status and educational rights of the Muslim minority in the region.