Turkish Minority In Western Thrace Is Bridge Between Turkey And Greece

KOMOTINI - Justice Minister Cemil Cicek said on Thursday that Turkish minority in Western Thrace was a bridge between Turkey and Greece.
Cicek, who came to Komotini to attend ceremonies to commemorate one of Western Thrace Turkish minority leaders Dr. Sadik Ahmet, held separate meetings with Secretary General for East Macedonia and Thrace Aris Papadopoulos, Rhodope Governor Aris Yanakidis and Komotini Mayor Tassos Vavachiklis.
Following his contacts, Cicek told reporters that they saw that Turkish-Greek relations were at a very good level during their meetings.
Cicek stated that there were many things that Turkey and Greece, two countries sharing same democratic values and principles, could do together.
''Turkish minority in Western Thrace can help further improvement of relations between two countries. Turkey and Greece can cooperate in tourism, economy, trade and local administrations. These efforts will be beneficial for the two nations,'' Cicek noted.
Cicek visited Komotini Turkish Youth Association, toured historical bazaar and chatted with Turkish people who had workplaces there.
Justice Minister Cicek will return to Turkey after attending commemoration ceremony.
(BRC-AÖ) 24.07.2003