The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned Greece's decision to close eight elementary schools belonging to the Turkish Minority in Western Thrace, describing the move as a violation of international obligations and the educational rights of the minority community.

In a statement issued in response to a question regarding the closures, Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Öncü Keçeli said Greece had justified the decision on the grounds of insufficient student numbers. According to the ministry, the latest measure reduces the total number of Turkish Minority elementary schools in Western Thrace to 76.

The ministry also criticized what it described as new obstacles imposed on first-grade enrollment at the 1st Turkish Minority Elementary School in Xanthi, arguing that the restrictions form part of a broader pattern of systematic practices aimed at undermining the educational rights of the Turkish Minority in the region.

Türkiye asserted that the school closures and enrollment restrictions violate the provisions of the Lausanne Peace Treaty, which guarantees the rights of minority communities.

The Foreign Ministry further urged Greece to comply with its international obligations, noting that Athens has failed to implement rulings of international courts and recommendations made by major European institutions concerning the rights of the Turkish Minority in Western Thrace.

Calling on Greece to uphold its treaty commitments and respect minority and fundamental human rights, the ministry reaffirmed Türkiye's support for the Turkish Minority in Western Thrace.

"Türkiye will continue to resolutely support the Turkish Minority in Western Thrace in its struggle for rights and justice," the ministry said. (ILKHA)