Athens, Rabi Awwal 29/Jun10,2002(IINA) - There have been a number of conferences held and treaties concluded between Greece and Turkey, under which the Muslims living in Greece, and particularly in the province of Thrace in western Greece, are to be guaranteed their freedom of worship and of civil liberties. For instance, the treaty that was concluded in 1923 between Turkey and Greece provides (in its Clause No. 40) for the right of Muslims there to use their Turkish language, to practice their religious rites, and to elect their own representatives in religious affairs.

The treaty even provides for the investment of their funds the way they choose, and went on to spell the terms for exchanging of inhabitants between West Thrace and the Greek Christian minority living in Istanbul, Turkey, and this did, indeed, take place. But the various Greek governments have been ignoring some of these provisions, and not recognizing even the religious leaders elected by the Muslims of Western Thrace

Even in matters related to the administration of their Wakfs (endowments), the Muslims are now allowed any say, in that the administrators are those appointed by the Greek government. A report by the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) suggests that the Muslims of Thrace have to draw their government's attention to the fact that they, too, are rightful citizens of the country, and should be given their rights and discharge their obligations.