A reference to the Cyprus issue and Thrace was made by Turkey’s Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, during his opening speech at the two -day 51st Foreign Ministers of the Islamic Cooperation Organization, which is being held in Constantinople.

Referring to the Muslim minority of Thrace, which was described as “Turkish”, the head of Turkish diplomacy said: “The Turkish Muslim minority in western Thrace and the Turkish population of the Dodecanese In Greece they face serious violations that prevent them from enjoying even the most basic rights and freedoms. The attention of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation on this issue is critical to ensure that the national identity, religious education and the cultural rights of the Turkish Muslim minority are respected by the Greek authorities. “

In terms of Cyprus Hakan Fidan said: “There are two peoples and two states on the island of Cyprus. As an integral part of the Islamic world, the Turkish Cypriot state is represented as an observer in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Unfortunately, the Turkish Cypriots continue to live under the unfair and inhumane isolation that has been imposed for decades. We call on all members to support their inherent rights and to work together immediately. “