VIENNA - Mustafa Bas, the Chairman of Parliamentary Commission to Investigate Problems of Citizens Living Abroad, said late on Thursday that they wanted Turkish citizens to live as first-class citizens in European countries.
A delegation of the Commission comprised of Justice and Development Party (AK Party) deputies Mustafa Bas and Ahmet Yasar listened to problems of Turkish citizens living in Vienna.
Addressing representatives of 20 Turkish associations functioning in and around Vienna, Bas wished that they wanted Turkish citizens to live as first-class citizens in European countries.
Representatives of several associations functioning in Vienna complained about some problems they faced in Turkey with an identity card they were using as dual citizens, problems they faced in Bulgaria during their annual vacation. They also complained that family assistance paid for children in Turkey was cut.
Representatives asked Turkish officials to enable them to cast their votes in consulate buildings, end difficulties put forth Turkish citizens who come to Austrian universities for higher education, appoint a religious affairs counselor to provinces other than Vienna, and open courses to teach Turkish to second-generation Turkish citizens who were born in Austria.
Bas and Yasar said that they would prepare a report on problems of Turks living in Austria and present it to parliament on December 15.
The delegation will return to Turkey on Saturday.
(BRC-AÖ) 07.11.2003