September 2002-Issue 51

Minister of Foreign Affairs George Papandreu visited the Region
Minister of Foreign Affairs Georgios Papandreu visited Western Thrace on September 17-18.

Minister Papandreu got in contact with many officials and joined the ceremony of laying the foundation of the new building of Celal Bayar Minority High School. After the ceremony of Celal Bayar Minority High School the Minister went to Iasmos to open Iasmos Minority Primary School.

After the Elections
At the end of the local elections the new local authorities for the next four years were determined. Governor and most of the mayors were selected in the first week of the elections but in some regions the elections were repeated.

For the minority municipalities Filira and Arriana the elections finished in the first week but that of in Sosti and Miki were held again. In Rodopi PASOK and Leftist Agreement Party's list "Unity-Formation-Hope" won the elections. Aris Yannakidis became the governor by getting 57.27 % of the votes.

European Court of Human Rights

ECHR explained the decision about the case that Aga, elected Mufti of Ksanthi opened against Greece in 1999.

In the decision released on September 17 the court explained that Mehmet Emin Aga had been prosecuted unfairly.

The Greek government's attitudes towards the religious freedoms of its citizens were against to the European Convention on Human Rights, Article 9 and sentenced Greece because of violation the mentioned article.


October 2002-Issue 52

The elections of School's Administrative Committees on December 12
The date of elections of School's Administrative Committees was determined at last as December 12.

In the official document sent by the Secretary General of East Macedonia & Thrace Region to the Turkish schools it was stated that the elections of the administrative committees would be held on Tuesday December 12 between 08:00-17:00 o' clock at schools

Elections would be held in accordance with the code of law 694/77 article 6, with the Ministerial Decision number 62094/10-6-2002.

It was also stated that if the candidates had been less than 5 people the elections would not have been done.

28 October Was Celebrated
The 62nd anniversary of 28 October National Day was celebrated across the country and in the offices in foreign countries.

Turkish Primary, Secondary, and High School students joined to the parade of 28 October.

29 October Was Celebrated
The 79th anniversary of the foundation of Turkish Republic celebrated in Turkey and in Turkish offices in foreign countries.

The 79th birthday of Turkish Republic was celebrated with a reception given by Turkish Consul-General Huseyin Avni Botsali and his wife Inci Botsali.

Approximately 1.500 Turkish and Greek guests joined to the reception at Chris & Eve Hotel.

58th Government Established
Justice and Developmental party won the elections with a high percentage of votes, 35% and had 362 members of parliament in the elections of 3 November. The Republic People Party had 179 Members of Parliament. There were 9 Independent Members.

After the elections the president Ahmet Necdet Sezer assigned Abdullah Gul -vice chair of the party to form the government and Mr. Gul established the 58th government of Turkey.


November 2002-Issue 53

Ataturk Commemorated on His 64th Death Anniversary
The founder of Turkish Republic, great leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk commemorated on his death's 64th anniversary in a ceremony at Turkish Republic Consulate General of Komotini.

Head of the High Consultative Committee of Western Thrace Turkish Minority and Member of Parliament- Galip Galip, Member of Parliament- Ahmet Mehmet, The elected Mufti of Ksanthi- Mehmet Emin Aga, The elected Mufti of Komotini- Ibrahim Serif, Members of the Consultative Committee of Western Thrace Turkish Minority, Mayors, Members of the administrative Boards of the Associations, Members of Provincial Assembly and Municipality Assembly, Teachers and Students joined to the ceremony.

Teachers Day Celebrated
24 November Teachers Day was celebrated with a ceremony in the meeting room of the Union of Western Thrace Turkish Teachers. The head of the Union made a speech about the meaning of the day, students read poems to their teachers.

After the ceremony all the members of the Union and guests joined to a dinner at Panorama Restaurant in Iasmos.

Children's Club Moved to a New Building
Western Thrace Minority University Graduates Association Children's Club started to new school year in its new building.

The Club introduced to the guests with a ceremony.

Henceforth, students also will learn computer and folk dances in new building.

Friendship Blew From Balkans
A Balkan-Musics Concert organized by the Municipality of Komotini- Center of Public activities on Friday, November 30 a Dimokritos University.

Singers from Albania, Serbia, Macedonia, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Greece fascinated people with their songs.

The Provincial Assembly of Rodopi Rejected the Gold Project
The provincial assembly rejected the project named "Effects to Environment" with unanimity on Tuesday, November 14.

The harmful effects of gold mining were discussed in the meeting. The representatives of political parties stated that they were against the project, too.

Our Problems Announced to the Authorities
The Consultative Committee prepared a mail related to the problems of Western Thrace Turkish Minority and Head of the Committee and Member of Parliament, Galip Galip submitted the letter to Prime Minister Kostas Simitis, Minister of Foreign Affairs George Papandreu, and Minister of Interior Kostas Skandalidis.